The snowy-bellied hummingbird, also known as snowy-breasted hummingbird, is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in mostly in Costa Rica and Panama with a few records in Colombia.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily from Costa Rica through Panama, with scarce records in adjacent northwestern Colombia. It frequents forest edges, semi-open second growth, coffee and cacao plantations, and urban and rural gardens. The species is especially common where flowering shrubs and trees (e.g., Inga, Hamelia, and Heliconia) are abundant. It tolerates human-modified landscapes and often concentrates around feeders during nectar shortages.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The snowy-bellied hummingbird is a small, energetic species of the emeralds group, most common in Costa Rica and Panama with a few records reaching northwestern Colombia. It readily visits garden feeders and flowering hedges, where males can be notably territorial. The species has often been placed in the genus Amazilia but is now commonly treated as Saucerottia based on genetic studies.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers but gathers loosely where blooms are dense or at feeders. Males defend rich nectar sources aggressively against other hummingbirds. Nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a slender branch; clutch size is usually two eggs, with the female incubating.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice consists of thin, high-pitched tseet notes and buzzy trills, often delivered during chases. Also gives sharp chips while guarding feeding territories; wing hum is audible at close range.
