The violet-bellied hummingbird is a species of hummingbird characterized by the male's shimmering violet belly.
Region
Chocó–Darién and western Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through western Colombia into northwestern Ecuador, mainly in the Chocó biogeographic region. It favors humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens with abundant flowering shrubs. Often found along streams, clearings, and canopy gaps where nectar sources are concentrated. It adapts well to semi-open habitats as long as continuous nectar is available.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny hummingbird of humid lowlands and foothills, the male is instantly recognized by his shimmering violet belly and glittering green throat. It is highly territorial around rich flower patches and will vigorously chase larger birds. By visiting a wide variety of blooms, it serves as an important pollinator in the Chocó region. Its rapid metabolism requires frequent feeding throughout the day.
A male violet-bellied hummingbird perched on a tree branch.
Temperament
territorial and energetic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary at feeders and flower patches, where males aggressively defend nectar sources. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights. The female builds a small cup nest on a horizontal branch and incubates two eggs without male assistance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and buzzy notes given during foraging and defense of feeding territories. Males may deliver quick series of squeaky tsit calls and short trills from exposed perches.
Plumage
Male with iridescent green upperparts, glittering green throat, and a striking deep violet belly with a dark bluish tail; female green above with whitish underparts and buffy flanks, darker tail often with pale edging. Both sexes show sleek, glossy feathers typical of hummingbirds.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a wide range of tubular and small flowers, including forest-edge shrubs and ornamentals. Supplements its diet with tiny insects and spiders captured by hawking or gleaning to obtain protein. Rotates among nectar sources as bloom availability changes and frequently returns to rich patches it defends.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-levels along forest edges, clearings, riverbanks, and gardens. Often visits flowering trees and shrubs near gaps where sunlight promotes abundant blossoms.
