The buffy hummingbird is a species of bird in the hummingbird family Trochilidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Leucippus. This bird lives in dry forest and scrubland in northern South America where it feeds on insects and the nectar, flesh, and juice of cactus fruits.
Region
Northern South America and nearby Caribbean islands
Typical Environment
Found mainly in arid and semi-arid lowlands of northern Colombia and Venezuela, including xeric coastal plains and thorn scrub with abundant cacti. It frequents dry forest edges, open scrublands, and riverine thickets where flowering shrubs are present. The species also occurs on some nearby offshore islands. It readily uses gardens and plantations with suitable nectar sources. Perches are often exposed, from which it sallies to flowers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The buffy hummingbird is the sole member of the genus Leucippus. Unusually for a hummingbird, it not only drinks nectar but also punctures cactus fruits to consume their juice and soft pulp. It thrives in arid scrub and thorn forest, often perching conspicuously on exposed branches. Females build tiny cup nests and raise two chicks per brood.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and quick darts
Social Behavior
Generally solitary at flowers and aggressively defends rich nectar sources. Courtship involves aerial chases and display perching by males. The female builds a small cup nest on a low horizontal branch or in a shrub and incubates two eggs, providing all parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin chips and rapid, squeaky twitters delivered from exposed perches. Wing hum is low but audible at close range, and calls increase during territorial interactions.
Plumage
Overall warm buffy to cinnamon underparts with dull greenish-olive upperparts; throat and belly pale buff. Tail rufous with a contrasting darker subterminal band and paler tips. Fine texture typical of hummingbirds with slight iridescence on the upperparts.
Diet
Takes nectar from flowering cacti, shrubs, and small trees, probing repeatedly while hovering. Also hawks or gleans small insects and spiders for protein. Notably pierces cactus fruits to drink juice and eat soft pulp, a behavior uncommon among hummingbirds. Will visit garden flowers and ornamental plants when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in arid scrub and thorn forest, especially where columnar cacti and flowering shrubs are abundant. Often forages at edges, along dry washes, and in open areas with scattered bushes. Readily uses human-modified habitats with suitable nectar sources.
