The grey-breasted sabrewing is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, the Guianas, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs across humid lowland forests, especially along edges, second-growth, and riparian corridors. It frequents clearings, gaps, and flowering trees within primary and secondary forest. In the Guianas it is widespread from coastal lowlands into interior forest. It also appears in forested parks and large gardens near continuous woodland.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-breasted sabrewing is a large hummingbird of the Amazon and Guianan lowlands, belonging to the emeralds (tribe Trochilini). Males have thickened, sabre-shaped outer primaries used in display and produce a distinct wing buzz when hovering. It readily visits flowering trees and forest edges and can be notably assertive at rich nectar sources. Like most hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong hovering; direct, fast flights between flowers
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at feeding sites, where males often defend rich nectar sources against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights; only the female builds the tiny cup nest and cares for the young. Nests are placed on horizontal branches or forks a few meters above ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp, metallic chips and thin, sibilant trills delivered from perches near feeding areas. The wingbeats produce a noticeable humming buzz that can be heard before the bird is seen.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a clean grey breast and belly, contrasting whitish undertail coverts. Tail is dark with prominent white tips to the outer feathers; wings show thickened outer primaries. Throat often shows a slight greenish sheen blending into the grey underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including Heliconia, Inga, and other flowering shrubs and trees. Also gleans and hawks tiny insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding. May trapline between scattered blooms but often defends particularly productive patches.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, riverbanks, and second-growth where flowering plants are abundant. Will use semi-open areas and large gardens adjacent to forest.
