The sombre hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and foothill zones through interior patches of the Atlantic Forest, using forest edges, secondary woodland, scrub, and shaded plantations. Frequently enters urban and rural gardens with abundant flowering shrubs. Prefers midstory to canopy-level blooms but also forages at understory flowers. It is tolerant of disturbed habitats where nectar plants are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hummingbird is an Atlantic Forest specialist that adapts well to forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens. Despite its muted colors, it is highly territorial and vigorously defends nectar sources from other hummingbirds. It often visits feeders and supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually forages alone and aggressively defends productive flower patches from conspecifics and other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups built from plant fibers and spider silk, placed on horizontal branches. Breeding occurs during the local wet/warm season, with the female solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin tsee notes, sharp chips, and rapid buzzy trills. Males deliver persistent, squeaky series from a perch while guarding nectar sources.
Plumage
Overall dusky, with dull metallic green to bronze-green upperparts and grayish to olive-tinged underparts. Throat and breast lack a bright gorget, appearing uniformly somber with a slight green sheen in good light. Tail is dark bronze-green with slightly paler tips.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from a wide variety of native and ornamental flowers, including shrubs and canopy blossoms. Supplements with small insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning to obtain protein, especially during breeding. Readily visits sugar-water feeders when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, and shaded agroforests such as coffee or cacao. Also common in parks and gardens with abundant flowering plants.
