The rufous-throated sapphire is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Peru, Venezuela and possibly Argentina and Paraguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
The rufous-throated sapphire inhabits humid lowland forests, forest edges, and secondary growth across much of northern South America. It frequents clearings, river margins, and gaps where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. The species readily visits gardens and plantations near forest, especially where ornamental or native nectar plants are present. It typically forages from the understory to mid-story but will also feed in the canopy when blossoms are profuse.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hummingbird flashes a warm rufous throat that glows coppery in good light against a glittering green body. It is a territorial nectar-feeder but also practices traplining along regular flower routes. Females alone build tiny cup nests and raise the young. The species is widespread across the Amazon Basin and the Guianas.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Outside of breeding, individuals are mostly solitary, defending rich flower patches against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves aerial chases and displays; no lasting pair bond is formed. The female builds a tiny cup nest from plant fibers and spider silk on a horizontal branch and lays two eggs, which she incubates and raises alone.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and metallic trills given during foraging and territorial bouts. Song is simple and repetitive, often a series of sharp tsee or tsit notes interspersed with brief buzzes.
