The violet-capped hummingbird is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Panama and far northwestern Colombia.
Region
Chocó–Darién (eastern Panama and northwestern Colombia)
Typical Environment
Found in humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and semi-open second growth with abundant flowering plants. It frequents creek margins, clearings, and gaps where Heliconia, Inga, and epiphytic blooms are available. The species tends to use the understory and midstory for foraging and perching, occasionally visiting gardens near forest. Its range is fragmented and closely tied to intact or lightly disturbed forest in the Darién and adjacent Chocó.
Altitude Range
100–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small emerald hummingbird is restricted to the Chocó–Darién region, mainly in eastern Panama with a toehold in far northwestern Colombia. It is assessed as Near Threatened due to ongoing habitat loss, especially deforestation of humid foothill forests. Males often defend rich flower patches, while both sexes also trapline between scattered nectar sources. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny arthropods for protein.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone, defending rich nectar sources against intruders. Uses a traplining strategy between scattered flowers when resources are diffuse. Nests are small cups placed on low horizontal branches in shaded forest, with females solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and rapid twittering sequences delivered from low to mid-level perches. Mechanical wing hum is audible at close range. It calls more frequently while defending feeding territories.
