The green-and-white hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs locally in montane valleys and cloud-forest edges on the eastern Andean slopes of south-central Peru. It favors second-growth, riparian thickets, forest borders, and rural gardens with abundant flowering shrubs. The species adapts well to semi-open human-modified landscapes, including shade coffee and orchards, provided nectar sources are present. It is largely sedentary within its narrow range, moving short distances to track blooms.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A close relative of the white-bellied hummingbird, it is confined to the Peruvian Andes where it frequents forest edges, gardens, and shade-coffee plantations. It readily visits nectar feeders and aggressively defends rich flower patches. Both sexes look similar, which can make it tricky to separate from related species without a good view of the tail and underparts.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Males vigorously defend flower patches against other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups built by the female from plant down and spider silk, placed on horizontal branches or low forks. Typical clutch is two eggs; the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin chips and a rapid, squeaky twitter during chases and territorial displays. Wing hum is conspicuous at close range, especially when hovering at feeders.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a clean, bright white breast and belly; flanks may show a wash of green. Throat often glittering green, contrasting sharply with the white underparts. Tail green to bronzy-green, slightly forked.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including native shrubs and canopy epiphytes. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders for protein, captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. At feeders, it prefers diluted sugar solutions and often dominates access when in good condition.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, riparian corridors, and in gardens with abundant flowering plants. Frequently uses mid-level to canopy blossoms but will also visit low shrubs and ornamental plantings.
