Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, mornings are a symphony of birdsong. But amidst the chorus, there’s a dazzling flash of black and emerald that never fails to capture the eye – the Black-bellied Hummingbird (Eupherusa nigriventris). This tiny jewel of a bird is a resident of the Costa Rican highlands, including the very mountains that cradle our retreat.
A Striking Contrast
The Black-bellied Hummingbird lives up to its name. Males are a sight to behold, with a velvety black mask, throat, and belly that gleams in the sunlight. This dark plumage is offset beautifully by their iridescent golden-green upperparts, creating a stunning contrast. Their wings are a rusty-brown at the bend, adding another layer of visual interest.
Females, while lacking the dramatic black markings of the males, are no less beautiful. They sport a green back and pale underparts, with extensive white in the tail feathers. This white tail is a key identifier, helping to distinguish them from the similar-looking Stripe-tailed Hummingbird.
A Master of Flight
Like all hummingbirds, the Black-bellied is a marvel of aerial acrobatics. Their wings beat at an incredible rate, up to 100 times per second! This rapid movement creates the characteristic humming sound that gives these birds their name. The human eye can’t even keep up with the blur of their wings, allowing them to hover in mid-air as they sip nectar from flowers.
Building a Home
The Black-bellied Hummingbird is a resourceful nester. The females take charge of building the nest, a bulky cup-shaped structure crafted from plant fibers and cleverly camouflaged with green moss on the outside. They typically build their nests 2-4 meters high, often on the end of a descending bamboo stem or on a rootlet under a bank. The interior is lined with soft plant fibers, animal hair, and feather down, and strengthened with spiderwebs and other sticky materials. This elastic quality allows the nest to stretch as the chicks grow.
A Resident of the Mountains
While the Black-bellied Hummingbird can occasionally be spotted at feeders or gardens, they are primarily found in montane forests and along forest edges. So, if you’re staying at our mountain retreat and keep your eyes peeled, you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this dazzling little hummingbird flitting through the trees.
Tips for Spotting the Black-bellied Hummingbird
- Early mornings: Hummingbirds are most active in the early hours, so head out to your balcony or explore the gardens first thing to increase your chances of spotting one.
- Look for flowers: Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers with readily available nectar. Keep an eye out near flowering shrubs and trees.
- Listen for the hum: The rapid beating of their wings creates a distinct humming sound. Once you know what to listen for, you might be surprised by how often you hear them.
With a little patience and these handy tips, you might just be able to add the Black-bellied Hummingbird to your Costa Rican birding list. And remember, if you have any questions about the birds you see around our retreat, our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
