Here at our Costa Rican retreat, nestled amidst the verdant embrace of the mountains, we’re surrounded by a symphony of life. Among the vibrant orchestra of birdsong, the Stripe-tailed Hummingbird (Eupherusa eximia) flits by like a jeweled bullet. Today, we delve into the world of this dazzling hummer, a resident of the mid-elevation forests that grace our mountain paradise.

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A Dazzling Emerald Jewel

The Stripe-tailed Hummingbird is a medium-sized wonder, easily identified by its mesmerizing plumage. Males are a spectacle of shimmering emerald green, their bodies catching the sunlight like polished gemstones. Females, though lacking the vibrant green, are no less beautiful. They sport a pale gray underbelly and boast a hint of green on their backs. Both sexes share a striking rusty panel on their wings, which appears as a blur as they hover with hummingbird-like rapidity.

A Forest Flash

These hummers favor the cool, humid embrace of evergreen forests, particularly shade-grown coffee plantations. Here, amidst the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, they flit from flower to flower, their iridescent bodies momentarily catching the light. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash of emerald, or listen for the soft whirring of their wings as they dart about.

A Dance of the Tail

The Stripe-tailed Hummingbird’s namesake feature comes into play during feeding. As they hover near flowers, they’ll often flash their tails open, revealing a hidden beauty – white stripes against a backdrop of emerald or gray. This flash of white is thought to be part of their courtship display or a way to communicate with other hummers.

A Boon to the Ecosystem

These tiny dynamos play a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. As they flit from flower to flower, sipping nectar, they act as efficient pollinators, ensuring the continued health and reproduction of various plants.

Spotting the Stripe-tailed Hummingbird

If you’re keen on witnessing this emerald marvel, keep an eye out during your explorations around our mountain retreat. They frequent the lower and middle levels of the forest canopy, particularly near flowering plants. Early mornings and late afternoons, when the light filters through the trees, are prime times for spotting them.

A Tiny Treasure

The Stripe-tailed Hummingbird is a dazzling emblem of the rich biodiversity that thrives in Costa Rica’s mountain forests. As you explore the trails around our retreat, keep an eye out for this emerald wonder. A flash of green, a whirring of wings, and a glimpse of a striped tail – these are the signs that you’ve encountered a tiny treasure of the Costa Rican highlands.

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