The grey-tailed mountaingem, also variously spelled gray-tailed mountaingem, grey-tailed mountain-gem, or gray-tailed mountain-gem, is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Costa Rica.
Region
Central American highlands
Typical Environment
Found primarily in Costa Rica’s montane cloud forests and elfin woodlands on the Pacific slope and in the Talamanca range. It frequents forest edges, clearings, second growth, and gardens with abundant tubular flowers. Individuals often patrol flowering epiphytes and shrubs, and will visit feeders in highland towns. The species can make short elevational movements following blooms but remains within highland zones.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-tailed mountaingem is a medium-sized hummingbird endemic to Costa Rica’s highland cloud forests. Males are territorial around rich flower patches and often chase away larger birds. It plays an important pollination role for high-elevation plants, moving pollen between blossoms as it feeds. Though local in range, it is generally considered not at risk and can be seen around forest edges and mountain lodges.
Female
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone, with males vigorously defending nectar sources from other hummingbirds. During breeding, the female builds a small cup nest of plant fibers and moss bound with spider silk on a horizontal branch. Clutch is typically two eggs; the female alone incubates and broods the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local elevational movements
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, metallic chips and a thin, buzzy twitter given during chases. Males produce rapid scolding notes while defending territories and softer, high-pitched sequences near favored flowers.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a distinct white throat bordered by a darker cheek stripe; tail appears grey with subtle darker subterminal banding. Females show more buffy to cinnamon underparts with a paler throat and the characteristic grey tail. Both sexes typically display a narrow white post-ocular stripe and clean, contrasting facial pattern.
Diet
Primarily nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs, epiphytes, and forest-edge plants. Also hawks small insects and spiders in mid-air or gleans them from foliage to supplement protein needs. Regularly visits flowering trees and sometimes feeders in highland settlements.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and within cloud forest understory where flowering plants are abundant. Often forages at flowering epiphytes and along sunny gaps that concentrate blooms.
