The Blue-headed sapphire or Gray's hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the emerald's tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Pacific lowlands of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador
Typical Environment
Found from the humid Pacific slope lowlands through mangroves, riverine edges, and second-growth woodland, often near clearings and gardens. It frequents forest edges and semi-open country where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. The species readily visits ornamental plantings and feeders in rural settlements. It is typically most common in lowlands but can range into lower foothills where suitable flowers persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Gray's hummingbird, this species is a striking sapphire of the Pacific lowlands of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Males defend rich flower patches aggressively and act as important pollinators of Heliconia and other tubular blooms. It adapts well to semi-open habitats and gardens near forest, making it one of the more frequently seen lowland hummingbirds in its range.
flying in Ecuador
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary while feeding, with males vigorously defending flower patches from other hummingbirds. Courtship involves fast chases and display flights. The female builds a small cup nest on a horizontal branch or fork and incubates two tiny eggs, with the male not participating in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a thin, high-pitched series of chips and twitters delivered from a perch between foraging bouts. Wing hum is audible at close range. Calls accelerate during territorial chases.
