The Pirre hummingbird, also somewhat misleadingly known as the rufous-cheeked hummingbird, is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Panama and far northwestern Colombia.
Region
Darién Gap and Chocó region (Panama–NW Colombia)
Typical Environment
Found primarily on the slopes and ridges of humid foothill and lower montane forests in eastern Panama and adjacent northwestern Colombia. It uses forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and mature forest understory rich in epiphytes. The species often forages along stream corridors and ridge-top scrub where nectar sources are concentrated. It tolerates some secondary growth but depends on intact or semi-intact forest mosaics.
Altitude Range
600–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Rufous-cheeked Hummingbird, it is placed in the monotypic genus Goethalsia and is assessed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss. The common name “Pirre” refers to Cerro Pirre in Panama, a core part of its range. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs in humid foothill to montane forests and can be shy and easily overlooked.
Temperament
territorial around rich nectar sources but generally unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in loose, temporary aggregations at flowering trees. Males defend small feeding territories; females build the nest and care for young alone. Nests are tiny cup-shaped structures placed on horizontal branches or forks, often decorated with lichens.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short twittering trills. Males may give rapid ticking sequences during chases around flowering shrubs.
Plumage
Glossy green upperparts with cleaner, paler underparts and a contrasting warm rufous patch on the cheek; tail dark with subtle sheen. Feathers are compact and sleek, typical of small "emerald" hummingbirds.
Diet
Primarily nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including Inga, Erythrina, Heliconia, and epiphytic blooms. Supplements diet with small arthropods captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. Will also take tiny spiders and insect larvae for protein, especially during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, gaps, and streamside vegetation where blooming plants are concentrated. Often visits midstory and canopy flowers but will descend to understory patches with abundant nectar.
