As the sun filters through the Costa Rican rainforest canopy, a vibrant hum fills the air. A blur of emerald zips between blossoming flowers, its wings beating at an astonishing pace. This is the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, a resident gracing the mountain slopes where our Costa Rican retreat nestles.

While not as flashy as some of its brightly colored cousins, the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird holds its own charm. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of this feathered jewel.

A Master of Camouflage:

Despite its name, the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird’s “scales” are a subtle feature. Its overall plumage is a muted green, offering excellent camouflage amidst the verdant foliage. This unobtrusive coloring allows it to flit between flowers and feeders undetected by potential predators.

Look for These Key Features:

• Size Matters: One of the larger hummingbirds in Costa Rica, the Scaly-breasted boasts a stocky build and a medium-length, straight black bill.
• Tail Talk: Keep an eye out for the most distinctive feature – prominent white corners on the tail feathers. These white flashes become a beacon as the bird darts between blooms.
• Subtle Head Markings: Look for a small white spot behind the eye, a common feature amongst hummingbirds.

A Forest Favorite:

The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird thrives in the humid lowlands and along forest edges. These areas provide the perfect habitat – a mix of tall trees, flowering shrubs, and clearings. Our mountain retreat sits nestled precisely in such an ecosystem, making it a prime spot to encounter these fascinating creatures.

Fueling the Frenzy:

Just like other hummingbirds, the Scaly-breasted is a nectarivore. Its long, slender bill is perfectly adapted for reaching deep into flowers to sip on the sweet nectar. Their wings beat at an incredible speed, allowing them to hover mid-air while they feed. This rapid wingbeat is the source of the characteristic hum that announces their arrival.

An Important Pollinator:

As the Scaly-breasted sips nectar, pollen gets dusted onto its feathers. This pollen is then transferred from flower to flower as the bird flits between blossoms. In this way, the Scaly-breasted hummingbird plays a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem by ensuring the reproduction of many flowering plants.

A Glimpse of the Scaly-breasted at Our Retreat:

The verandas of our Costa Rican retreat offer the perfect opportunity to observe the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird. We place hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water, mimicking the sweet nectar they seek. So, while you relax on the veranda, sipping your morning coffee, keep an eye out for this emerald wonder. With a little patience, you might just be rewarded with a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics as the Scaly-breasted hums its way into your view.

Come Experience the Magic:

The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird is just one of the many incredible avian wonders you can encounter at our Costa Rican retreat. Our mountain location provides a haven for a diverse range of birdlife. Book your stay with us and get ready to be enchanted by the dazzling sights and sounds of the Costa Rican rainforest!

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