The vervain hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found on Hispaniola and Jamaica.
Region
Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs on Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), including nearby offshore islets. Prefers open and semi-open habitats such as scrub, forest edges, dry thorn woodland, and secondary growth. Common in human-modified settings including gardens, parks, and plantations where small flowers are plentiful. Uses perches in shrubs and small trees close to nectar sources and often patrols small feeding territories.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the world’s smallest birds, second only to the bee hummingbird in size. It is a year-round resident on Jamaica and Hispaniola, often frequenting gardens where small tubular flowers are abundant. Nests are tiny cups made of plant down and spider silk, typically placed on low branches. Males deliver high, squeaky songs from exposed perches to defend feeding territories.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
rapid hovering with short, darting flights
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding, defending small nectar patches vigorously against other hummingbirds and insects. Nests are delicate cups of plant fibers and spider silk placed on low to mid-level branches. Clutch size is typically two tiny white eggs; females handle incubation and most chick rearing. Courtship involves males singing from exposed perches and performing quick aerial chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, squeaky series of thin notes and trills delivered persistently from a perch. Song can sound insect-like at a distance and is often given at dawn and during territorial defense.
Plumage
Tiny hummingbird with metallic green upperparts and grayish to whitish underparts; short tail and very short, straight bill for a hummingbird. Males are darker below and can show a dusky throat; females are paler with cleaner whitish underparts. Both sexes show a neat, tiny white post-ocular spot. Tail is slightly notched; females often show whitish tips to the outer tail feathers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from small, tubular flowers of shrubs, vines, and herbs. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, especially during breeding. Will hawk tiny insects in short sallies from a perch and also glean from foliage. Readily visits flowering garden plants and may use feeders with dilute sugar solutions.
Preferred Environment
Forages in gardens, hedgerows, forest edges, and scrub where small flowers are abundant. Often stays low to mid-level in vegetation, moving quickly between favored blossoms and perches.
