The snowcap is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Honduras through Nicaragua and Costa Rica into western Panama, primarily on the Caribbean slope. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and tall second growth with abundant flowering shrubs. The species readily uses semi-open habitats such as shaded cacao and coffee plantations bordering forests. It often forages along streams, light gaps, and canopy edges where small tubular flowers are plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Snowcap is one of the smallest hummingbirds in Central America and is instantly recognized by the male’s brilliant white cap contrasted against a deep purplish body. It favors humid lowland and foothill forests on the Caribbean slope and often visits flowering shrubs in forest edges and second growth. Though tiny, it can be feisty around rich nectar sources, chasing away larger hummingbirds. Its presence is a good indicator of intact, flower-rich understory.
Snowcap (male)
Temperament
active and territorial around rich flower patches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary while foraging but may gather loosely where flowers are concentrated. Males defend small nectar territories and perform brief aerial displays to attract females. The nest is a tiny cup of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on a slender horizontal twig in the understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very high, thin chips and twitters, often in rapid series during display. Wing hum is audible at close range and accompanies soft, buzzy notes near flowers.
