The volcano hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found in Costa Rica and Panama. This hummingbird is the one that appears on the 20 thousand colones bill from Costa Rica.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially around volcanic slopes and ridgelines. It favors páramo, elfin forest edges, and high-elevation shrublands with abundant tubular flowers. Birds are often seen along roadsides and clearings where sunlit patches concentrate nectar sources. It can be locally common where flowering shrubs are dense. Seasonal movements track blooming cycles upslope and downslope over short distances.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The volcano hummingbird is one of Central America’s smallest birds, adapted to cool, windswept highlands around volcanic slopes. Males show a gleaming, colorful throat patch that varies by subspecies. It is featured on Costa Rica’s 20,000 colones banknote. Despite its size, it aggressively defends rich flower patches from larger hummingbirds.
Collecting nesting material from a fiddlehead
Temperament
territorial and energetic
Flight Pattern
rapid, darting hover with short, buzzy wingbeats
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary outside of breeding, defending small nectar territories vigorously against intruders. Courtship involves swift chases and close displays near favored flowers. Nests are tiny cup structures placed low in shrubs or small trees; females alone incubate and rear the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and trills given from exposed perches or while foraging. The wing hum is prominent and can sound buzzy at close range. Males may deliver rapid series of squeaky notes during territorial disputes.
