The Chiribiquete emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to southern Colombia.
Region
Southern Colombia (western Amazonian uplands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on and around the sandstone table mountains of the Serranía de Chiribiquete in the departments of Caquetá and Guaviare. It uses open, scrubby habitats, forest edges, and clearings interspersed with rocky outcrops and tepui-like summits. Flowering shrubs and small trees along ridgelines and stream margins are especially important. The species is considered highly localized and largely confined to protected areas within Chiribiquete National Park. Records outside this complex are scarce and likely involve dispersal within the same upland system.
Altitude Range
200–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is confined to the remote Serranía de Chiribiquete region of southern Colombia, where access is limited and biology remains poorly documented. It frequents scrubby edges, rocky outcrops, and open woodland on and around sandstone mesas, visiting a variety of small tubular flowers. Like many hummingbirds, it defends rich nectar sources aggressively despite its small size. Protection of Chiribiquete National Park likely safeguards much of its range.
Temperament
territorial and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of breeding, with individuals defending rich nectar patches from other hummingbirds. Nests are presumed to be small cups of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on low horizontal branches or sheltered forks. Courtship and pairing are brief; males do not assist with parental care, as in most hummingbirds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short buzzy trills delivered from exposed perches near feeding sites. Wing hum is audible at close range and may accompany brief chase displays.
Plumage
Male with glittering emerald-green body and a slightly forked, dark bluish to blue-green tail; females have green upperparts with grayish-white underparts and a contrasting white post-ocular spot. Both sexes show a sleek, iridescent sheen typical of emeralds. Tail feathers in females often show pale tips.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from small tubular flowers of shrubs and trees, including plants along forest edges and rocky outcrops. Supplements nectar with tiny arthropods, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. This mixed diet provides essential proteins and minerals lacking in nectar alone.
Preferred Environment
Forages at low to mid-levels along scrub, forest margins, and open woodland on sandstone mesas. Often visits flowering shrubs in sunny gaps, ridgelines, and streamside thickets.
