The blue-vented hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Pacific slope of southwestern Nicaragua and northwestern Costa Rica, favoring tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, second growth, and semi-open country. Common around forest edges, riparian corridors, coffee plantations, and flowering gardens. Often more conspicuous during the dry season when blooms concentrate at certain trees and shrubs. It adapts well to human-modified habitats provided flowering resources are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-vented hummingbird is an “emerald” hummingbird notable for its steel-blue undertail coverts (the vent), which contrast with its green body. It frequents dry forests, edges, and gardens on the Pacific slope and often defends rich flower patches aggressively. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein. Its nest is a small cup bound with spider silk and often camouflaged with lichens.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary at flowers, with males vigorously defending rich nectar sources. Courtship involves chases and display flights around favored perches. The nest is a tiny cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a horizontal branch; typical clutch is two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Usually quiet, giving high, thin chips and buzzy tseet notes. During territorial disputes it produces rapid, squeaky twitters and sharp chase calls.
Plumage
Shimmering green upperparts with slightly bronzy tones; underparts green to grayish-green with distinctive steel-blue undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs and trees such as Inga, Erythrina, and ornamental garden plants. Also hawks or gleans tiny insects and spiders to obtain protein and micronutrients. Will exploit both native blooms and cultivated flowers, shifting among species as availability changes seasonally.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in dry scrub, second growth, hedgerows, and gardens. Often forages at mid-level to canopy height but will also visit low shrubs and feeders in human-influenced areas.
