The white-bellied hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
It inhabits humid to semi-humid montane forest edges, second growth, riparian thickets, and gardens along the Andean foothills and slopes. The species ranges through southern Peru, western and central Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and locally into far western Brazil. It favors edges and clearings where flowering shrubs are abundant, often near human settlements. It adapts well to disturbed habitats provided nectar sources are present. Seasonal movements along slopes may occur as flowers bloom at different elevations.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied hummingbird is an Andean species of the emerald hummingbird group, noted for its striking contrast between a glittering green chest and a snow-white belly. It aggressively defends flower patches and readily visits garden feeders. In parts of its range it makes short elevational movements to track blooming plants. Its rapid, hovering flight and audible wing hum are classic hummingbird traits.
White-bellied hummingbird in Peru
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Adults are typically solitary except during breeding and aggressively defend rich nectar sources from other hummingbirds. Nests are tiny cups made of plant down and spider silk placed on horizontal branches or in shrubs. The female incubates two small white eggs and raises the young; males do not assist with nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and buzzy twitters delivered from perches or while foraging. Wing hum is audible at close range and accompanies rapid hovering.
Plumage
Iridescent emerald-green head, throat, and upper breast with a clean white lower breast and belly; back green and tail dark and slightly forked. Undertail coverts whitish; slight whitish post-ocular spot may be present. Bill mostly dark with a pinkish to reddish base to the lower mandible.
Diet
It primarily feeds on nectar from a wide variety of tubular and brushy flowers, including native shrubs and ornamentals. It supplements nectar with small arthropods, which provide essential proteins, catching them by hawking in mid-air or gleaning from foliage. It readily visits sugar-water feeders in towns and villages within its range.
Preferred Environment
Most often seen at forest edges, clearings, riverine thickets, and flower-rich gardens. It uses perches near nectar sources to watch for rivals and to rest between feeding bouts.
