The chestnut-bellied hummingbird is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Colombian Andes
Typical Environment
Found mainly in the upper Magdalena Valley’s dry to semi-humid slopes, scrublands, forest edges, and second-growth. It also frequents gardens and coffee plantations with flowering shade trees such as Inga and Erythrina. The species uses riparian thickets and hedgerows as movement corridors. Habitat fragmentation has confined it to scattered patches, but it adapts to mosaics of natural and agricultural habitats.
Altitude Range
500–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Colombian endemic favors dry inter‑Andean valleys where scrub, open woodland, and coffee farms with native shade trees provide nectar sources. Its rich chestnut belly sharply contrasts with its emerald-green upperparts, making it distinctive among regional hummingbirds. It defends flower patches and garden feeders vigorously. Conservation actions that restore dry forest and maintain shade-grown agroforestry benefit the species.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding, with males vigorously defending flower patches. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk placed on low branches or in shrubby cover. Females perform incubation and chick-rearing; typical clutches are two eggs. Courtship is brief and males do not provide parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of thin, high-pitched tseet and tzip notes, interspersed with dry chatters during territorial chases. Wing hum is noticeable at close range, adding a mechanical buzz to the soundscape.
