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Green-and-white hummingbird

Green-and-white hummingbird

Wikipedia

The green-and-white hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Peru.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size9–10 cm
Wing Span11–13 cm
Male Weight0.0048 kg
Female Weight0.0044 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

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.

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