The indigo-capped hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia)
Typical Environment
Found in the Colombian Andes, especially along the Eastern and Central Cordilleras. It uses forest edges, secondary woodland, coffee plantations with shade trees, scrub, and urban gardens. The species favors areas with abundant flowering shrubs and trees and often forages along streams and clearings. It adapts well to disturbed habitats as long as nectar sources are present.
Altitude Range
800–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Colombia, this hummingbird is easily recognized by its deep indigo-blue crown. It thrives in human-modified landscapes such as gardens, coffee farms, and secondary growth, where it readily visits feeders and flowering shrubs. As an active pollinator, it helps fertilize many native and cultivated plants. Despite local habitat pressures, it is generally considered common in suitable habitats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Males aggressively defend rich nectar patches and display from exposed perches. Nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a horizontal branch, typically built and attended by the female alone. Breeding occurs where flowering is abundant, and the species tolerates proximity to humans.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched chips and tinkling trills delivered from a perch. Wing hum is audible at close range; vocalizations intensify during territorial chases.
Plumage
Glittering green upperparts and breast with a contrasting indigo-blue crown; underparts green transitioning to pale grayish-white on the belly and undertail coverts. Tail bronze-green to slightly rufous-edged, moderately forked. Bill straight and slender with a red base and dark tip.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, including Inga, Erythrina, and garden ornamentals. Also takes small arthropods for protein, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. It moves methodically among flower clusters and may defend favorite plants from other hummingbirds.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, riparian thickets, secondary growth, coffee farms with shade trees, and urban gardens. Often visits feeders but still relies heavily on natural blooms during peak flowering.
