The tooth-billed hummingbird is a species of bird from the family Trochilidae. It is monotypic within the genus Androdon. It is found in humid forests in western Colombia, north-western Ecuador, and far eastern Panama. While generally scarce, localized and associated with the highly threatened humid sections of the Chocó, its range remains relatively large, and it is therefore considered to be of least concern by BirdLife International.
Region
Chocó bioregion (eastern Panama to northwestern Ecuador)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests, especially along forest edges, clearings with flowering plants, and along streams. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy, often following blooms of tubular flowers. The species is patchily distributed and local within suitable habitat, and it is less common in heavily degraded or dry forests. It can persist in selectively logged areas if nectar resources remain abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is monotypic in the genus Androdon and is named for its distinctly serrated, "toothed" bill. It inhabits humid forests of the Chocó bioregion from eastern Panama through western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. The specialized bill helps it capture small arthropods in addition to sipping nectar. Although generally scarce and local, it persists in some selectively logged forests where flowering plants remain.
Tooth-billed hummingbird
Temperament
territorial around rich nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Largely solitary outside of breeding, defending prime flowering patches from other hummingbirds. Nests are typically small cup nests placed on horizontal branches or sheltered forks. Courtship is simple and often centered near feeding areas, with males displaying by rapid chases and hovering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short series of tsi-tsi notes. Also produces brief buzzy trills during interactions at feeding sites.
