The white-throated daggerbill, white-throated wedgebill, or western wedge-billed hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó bioregion of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and foothill forests, especially in cloud-forest understory and along shaded streams. It frequents forest edges, second growth, and clearings with flowering shrubs and epiphytes. The species favors dense tangles and ravines where tubular flowers are abundant. It can also appear in partially disturbed habitats if sufficient nectar sources remain.
Altitude Range
600–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hummingbird has a very narrow, straight bill adapted for probing deep, tubular flowers. Males show a crisp white throat patch that flashes in low forest light. It often forages by traplining, visiting a circuit of blooms, and supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein. It is sensitive to loss of humid montane forest undergrowth.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone, with males defending rich flowering patches from other hummingbirds. Courtship involves rapid aerial chases and displays near favored perches. The nest is a small cup of plant fibers and moss bound with spider silk, placed on a sheltered branch; the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills given from low perches. Wing hum is audible at close range during foraging bouts.
