The steely-vented hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes (Colombia and western Venezuela)
Typical Environment
Occurs from lowlands to foothills in Colombia and western Venezuela, especially in inter-Andean valleys and around the Maracaibo Basin. Favors semi-open habitats including dry to moist forest edges, second growth, coffee farms, gardens, and scrubby hillsides. Often along riparian corridors and in flowering hedges within agricultural mosaics. Avoids deep, continuous forest but thrives in patchy, edge-rich landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The steely-vented hummingbird is an “emerald” hummingbird with a distinctive steely-blue to bluish-gray vent that gives the species its name. Males are notably territorial at rich nectar sources, often chasing other hummingbirds. It readily uses human-altered habitats such as gardens, coffee plantations, and hedgerows. Formerly placed in the genus Amazilia, it is now commonly treated in Saucerottia.
Temperament
territorial and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at feeders and flowering shrubs, with males vigorously defending nectar sources. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights. The nest is a tiny cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a horizontal branch or in a fork, often low to mid-level.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and dry, buzzy trills delivered intermittently from perches. Wing hum is audible at close range, especially during chases.
Plumage
Iridescent emerald-green upperparts with bronzy tones on the rump, green underparts, and a distinctive steely-blue to bluish-gray vent and undertail coverts. Tail slightly forked, dusky bronze-green. Feathers appear glittering in good light, especially on the throat and breast.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, including Inga, Erythrina, and garden ornamentals. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, hawking gnats and flies or gleaning tiny spiders from foliage. Will visit feeders for sugar water where available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, hedgerows, coffee plantations, scrub, and urban gardens where flowering resources are abundant. Often follows blooming cycles and favors patches with continuous nectar availability.
