The glittering-bellied emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern and eastern South America
Typical Environment
Found from eastern Bolivia and southern Brazil through Paraguay and Uruguay into northern and central Argentina. Prefers open and semi-open habitats including forest edges, gallery woodland, savanna-like scrub, and second growth. Common in parks, gardens, orchards, and plantations where flowering plants are available. Occurs in both lowlands and foothills and adapts well to seasonally dry as well as humid regions.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hummingbird often thrives in human-modified habitats, frequenting gardens and urban parks where flowering shrubs are abundant. Males fiercely defend nectar sources and flash a brilliant golden-green belly in good light. It readily visits sugar-water feeders and supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary when feeding, with males aggressively defending rich flowering patches. Courtship involves rapid chases and display flights. Nests are tiny cup structures bound with spider silk, typically placed low to mid-level on horizontal branches, with two white eggs per clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Mostly high, thin chips and dry twitters given during foraging and territorial encounters. Males produce rapid, metallic tsee notes and a light, insect-like twitter during display.
