The green-bellied hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds" tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Andean foothills and lower montane zones of Colombia and western Venezuela. It favors edges of humid and semi-humid forests, secondary growth, and human-altered landscapes such as shade coffee, hedgerows, and gardens. Birds regularly move along forest edges and clearings where nectar plants are abundant. It can be locally common near flowering trees and shrubs.
Altitude Range
500–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hummingbird of the emeralds tribe is known for its glittering green underparts and rapid, agile flight. It often visits flowering shrubs in forest edges, gardens, and coffee plantations, where it defends nectar sources vigorously. Formerly placed in the genus Amazilia, it is now commonly treated in Saucerottia. It ranges across the northern Andes of Colombia and western Venezuela.
Temperament
territorial and energetic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering and darting sallies
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers, with males actively defending nectar patches against other hummingbirds. Nests are small cup-shaped structures placed on horizontal branches or forks, lined with plant down and camouflaged with lichens. Courtship involves chases and display flights near rich nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short wiry trills delivered from perches or while foraging. Wing hum is pronounced at close range, adding a soft buzzing undertone to its calls.
Plumage
Shimmering emerald-green underparts with bronzy to green upperparts; tail dark with bluish gloss and slightly forked. Throat and belly show bright metallic sheen; under-tail coverts often slightly paler. Overall sleek, compact hummingbird with modest contrast.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, including Inga, Erythrina, and various heliconias when available. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders captured by hawking from perches or gleaned from foliage. Will exploit garden ornamentals and edge plants during local flowering peaks.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth where flowers are concentrated. Common in shaded agroforestry systems and rural gardens with continuous nectar sources.
