The blue-headed hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found only on the islands of Dominica and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles.
Region
Lesser Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane rainforest, cloud forest, and elfin woodland, especially in mature forest with abundant flowering understory. It uses forest edges, clearings, and along streams where nectar sources concentrate. On Dominica it is most frequent on the higher slopes and ridges; on Martinique it has been recorded mainly around the highest massifs. After storms it may descend slightly to secondary growth following flowering pulses.
Altitude Range
300–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-headed hummingbird is restricted to the high, moist forests of Dominica and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. Males show a striking, iridescent cobalt-blue head that flashes in good light. It was hit hard by major hurricanes, and the Martinique population may be extremely small or possibly extirpated, making conservation of Dominica’s montane forests critical.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting sallies
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and males defend rich flower patches against intruders. Courtship includes aerial chases and display flights; males do not assist with nesting. The nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a sheltered branch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tsit and tsee notes, with rapid twittering during chases. Wingbeats produce an audible hum at close range, especially during hovering displays.
Plumage
Male with brilliant iridescent blue head and throat, shining green upperparts, and darker, slightly forked tail; underparts largely green with a bronzy sheen. Female lacks the full blue crown, showing green upperparts, grayish to whitish underparts with some green spotting on the sides, and a darker tail with pale edging. Both sexes have a straight, slender black bill.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of tubular flowers in the understory and midstory, including native shrubs, trees, and epiphytes. Also hawks and gleans for tiny insects and spiders to obtain protein, especially during breeding. Will exploit flowering pulses after storms and may visit gardens with suitable blooms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and gaps within montane rainforest, as well as along ravines and stream corridors where flowers are concentrated. Occasionally visits flowering plants in mountain villages or plantations adjacent to forest.
