The white-bellied mountaingem or white-bellied mountain-gem is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, primarily on the Caribbean slope. Inhabits montane cloud forest, mature oak forest, and adjacent second growth with abundant flowering shrubs and epiphytes. Frequently uses forest edges, gaps, ravines, and roadsides where nectar sources are concentrated. Readily visits gardens and feeders in highland towns. Makes short elevational movements to follow seasonal blooms.
Altitude Range
900–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied mountaingem is a highland hummingbird that plays an important role as a pollinator of cloud-forest plants. Males vigorously defend flowering patches and feeders, often chasing away larger hummingbirds. It shows marked sexual dimorphism and may shift elevation locally to track blooming cycles. Its clean white underparts are distinctive among Central American mountaingems.
Temperament
territorial and assertive
Flight Pattern
rapid hovering and direct, agile flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary at flowers, with males vigorously defending nectar resources from conspecifics and other hummingbirds. Courtship involves chases and display flights near rich flower patches. The nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk, typically placed on a horizontal branch or sheltered fork, with two eggs per clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and sharp tseet calls interspersed with brief buzzy trills. Wingbeats produce a noticeable hum at close range. Song output increases around defended flower patches.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a clean, bright white breast and belly; dark face offset by a bold white post-ocular stripe. Tail is dusky with pale or whitish tips. Males show a shimmering, colorful gorget; females are duller with warmer buffy sides and less intense throat iridescence.
Diet
Primarily nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs, epiphytes, and canopy trees, including bellflowers and salvias. Supplements energy and protein by hawking small insects and gleaning arthropods from foliage. Follows flowering phenology and may concentrate at particularly productive patches or feeders.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors where flowers are abundant. Also uses highland gardens, hedgerows, and roadsides with flowering ornamentals. Forages from understory to mid-canopy, often returning repeatedly to favored blooms.
