Red-billed emerald

The red-billed emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.

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Distribution

Region

Northern South America

Typical Environment

Occurs from northern and northeastern Colombia into northwestern Venezuela, favoring arid to semi-arid lowlands, dry scrub, thorn woodland, and riverine edges. It also uses semi-open country, second growth, and gardens where flowering shrubs are abundant. The species typically forages at low to mid-level vegetation but will ascend higher in trees when blossoms are available. Local movements may follow flowering cycles but long-distance migrations are not known.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size8–9 cm

Wing Span10–12 cm

Male Weight0.0034 kg

Female Weight0.0036 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A small hummingbird of the emerald group, the red-billed emerald is noted for the male’s shimmering green plumage and the namesake bright red bill with a dark tip. It frequents dry scrub, thorn forest, and semi-open areas and readily visits flowering gardens. Like many hummingbirds, it plays an important role as a pollinator while also taking small insects for protein.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering

Social Behavior

Generally solitary at flowers and often defends rich nectar sources from other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups of plant down and fibers bound with spider silk, placed on slender branches. Courtship involves rapid chases and display flights by the male.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short buzzy trills, often given while foraging. Songs are simple, repeated phrases interspersed with sharp call notes.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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