High in the misty mountains of Costa Rica, where emerald peaks pierce the clouds, flits a tiny gem – the scintillant hummingbird. This dazzling denizen of the highlands is a Costa Rican treasure, adding a touch of magic to the mountain air.

The scintillant hummingbird, aptly named for its shimmering throat feathers, is one of the smallest birds in the world, marginally larger than a bee. If you’re lucky enough to spot one on your retreat to our mountain sanctuary, here’s what you can expect:

• A Feathered Jewel: The male scintillant hummingbird is a sight to behold. His upper body shimmers with a bronze-green sheen, while his tail boasts a fiery combination of rufous and black stripes. But the true showstopper is his throat – a patch of brilliant red feathers that seems to catch the sunlight and scintillate, living up to his name. Separating this fiery red from his cinnamon underparts is a crisp white neckband, adding a touch of elegance to his attire.
• A Lady in Buff: The female scintillant hummingbird is no less remarkable, though her attire is more subdued. She trades the fiery red throat for a softer buff color, delicately dotted with emerald green flecks. Her flanks are a richer rufous than the male’s, adding a touch of warmth to her plumage.
• A Life on the Wing: With the highest metabolic rate of any warm-blooded animal, the scintillant hummingbird is a whirlwind of energy. They flit between flowers, their wings beating at an incredible pace, hovering expertly as they sip nectar. This constant activity requires a lot of fuel, and these little dynamos visit hundreds of flowers a day to meet their energy needs.
• A Mountain Specialist: Unlike some hummingbird species found in the lowlands, the scintillant hummingbird thrives in the cooler mountain climate. You’ll find them at elevations ranging from 900 meters (2,952 feet) to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) along brushy forest edges, in coffee plantations, and even occasionally in gardens. At even higher altitudes, their close relative, the volcano hummingbird, takes over.
• A Tiny Nest, Big Heart: The scintillant hummingbird’s nest is a marvel of miniature engineering. Crafted with meticulous care using plant floss, thistle grass heads, feathers, and even tree fern scales, these miniature masterpieces are often adorned with lichens and moss for camouflage. Inside this tiny cradle, the female lays a clutch of just two pinhead-sized eggs, which she incubates fiercely.

If you’re a keen birdwatcher on your Costa Rican retreat, keep your eyes peeled for the flitting flash of a ruby red throat amidst the mountain greenery. A sighting of the scintillant hummingbird is a truly unforgettable experience, a chance to witness a tiny titan flitting through the mountain air, a dazzling jewel come to life.

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