Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, mornings begin with a symphony of wings. Amongst the vibrant orchestra of birdsong, flitting jewels capture the eye – the Violet-headed Hummingbird, a dazzling resident gracing our gardens.

This tiny titan, the sole member of the genus Klais, boasts an iridescent crown that shimmers violet in the sunlight. Males, particularly, are a sight to behold. Their throats echo the crown’s vibrancy, a mesmerizing flash of amethyst against their emerald green backs. Females, though lacking the intense throat color, sport a delicate blue crown, adding a touch of elegance to their plumage.

But the Violet-headed Hummingbird is more than just a pretty face. This compact powerhouse boasts a short, straight bill – perfectly adapted for reaching the nectar of the small purple flowers they favor. Watch them hover in mid-air, wings a blur as they sip their sugary sustenance. Their tails often twitch playfully, adding to their charmingly frenetic energy.

Though you might spot them flitting through the gardens of our mountain retreat, the Violet-headed Hummingbird has a wider range. Their kingdom stretches across Central and South America, from Honduras all the way down to Bolivia. They favor the dappled sunlight at the forest’s edge, flitting between flowering shrubs and trees.

Here at the retreat, we cultivate a haven for hummingbirds. Our gardens are bursting with native flowers – their trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colors a beacon for these feathered jewels. Heliconias, gingers, and fuchsias are some of their favorites, offering a constant supply of sweet nectar.

If you’re patient, you might even witness their courtship rituals. Males perform dazzling aerial displays, diving and soaring with buzzing wings, their iridescent crowns flashing in the sunlight. The lucky winner will claim a tiny cup-shaped nest, meticulously crafted from soft plant fibers and adorned with spiderwebs and lichen for camouflage.

These little marvels are a constant source of wonder at our retreat. Their frenetic energy, dazzling colors, and the vital role they play in the ecosystem leave us in awe. So, keep your eyes peeled as you explore our gardens. With a little patience, you might just catch a glimpse of the Violet-headed Hummingbird, a tiny ambassador of the vibrant tapestry of life in the Costa Rican mountains.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica