The speckled hummingbird is a species of hummingbird. It is the only member of the genus Adelomyia. It inhabits Neotropical montane cloud forests at elevations of 1,000–2,500 meters and is confined to the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela; as well as to some isolated montane forests in western Ecuador and Venezuela. In Ecuador, it ranges across both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes and occupies a broad altitudinal range from subtropical forests to cloud forests. In addition, one isolated population inhabits the Chongón Colonche cordillera in the coastal evergreen montane forest located ca. 130 km away from the Andes.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Found from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia and northwest Argentina, with an isolated population in the Chongón-Colonche cordillera of western Ecuador. It favors humid montane and cloud forests, especially dense understory along ravines and stream edges. The species also uses forest edges, second growth, and shaded gardens near forest. It typically stays in mid- to lower understory strata and forages methodically among flowering shrubs.
Altitude Range
1000–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The speckled hummingbird is the sole member of its genus, Adelomyia. It inhabits Andean montane and cloud forests, often keeping low in the understory where its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage. It shows strong site fidelity and can be quite territorial around rich nectar sources. Isolated populations also occur in coastal montane forests of western Ecuador.
Speckled hummingbird in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, Ecuador
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside breeding, it defends productive flower patches against intruders. The female builds a small cup nest of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on a sheltered branch or fork. Only the female incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and dry, squeaky trills delivered from shaded perches. During foraging or territorial chases it gives rapid series of sharp notes.
