The Tolima blossomcrown is a Vulnerable species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Central Andes of Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the slopes of Colombia’s Central Cordillera, favoring humid montane forest edges, tall secondary growth, riparian thickets, and traditional shade coffee plantations. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy along flowering trees and shrubs such as Inga, Erythrina, and Palicourea. The species tolerates mosaic landscapes but declines where forests are cleared for intensive agriculture. It often uses hedgerows and rural gardens as nectar corridors.
Altitude Range
1200–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is confined to Colombia’s Central Andes, especially in and around the Department of Tolima. It frequents forest edges and traditional shade coffee farms, where it helps pollinate native flowering trees and shrubs. Males can be notably territorial at rich nectar sources. Habitat loss and agricultural intensification have contributed to its Vulnerable status.
Temperament
territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary while feeding, with males aggressively defending flower patches against intruders. Courtship occurs at favored flowering sites, and nests are small cups built from plant fibers and spider silk on horizontal branches. Clutches are typically two eggs, and parental care is by the female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces thin, high-pitched chips and twitters given from perches or while foraging. Wing hum is audible at close range and may accompany chattering notes during territorial chases.
Plumage
Small hummingbird with metallic green upperparts and warm buff to rufous underparts. The male shows a rich rufous-orange crown capped at the front by a small pale buff to whitish 'blossom' forecrown; the female is duller with greener crown tones and more buffy underparts. Both sexes typically show a contrasting pale cheek patch and a mostly rufous tail with dusky tips.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including native trees and shrubs such as Inga, Erythrina, and Palicourea. Supplements its diet with small arthropods, hawking insects in short sallies or gleaning them from foliage. It may follow a traplining route or defend rich flower clumps depending on resource distribution.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, and traditional shade coffee plantations where native flowering plants are retained. Also visits hedgerows and rural gardens close to forest remnants.
