High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest meets the crisp kiss of cloud forests, flits a dazzling jewel – the Garden Emerald. This tiny hummingbird, a resident breeder in Costa Rica and western Panama, isn’t just a splash of color – it’s a whirlwind of energy, a vital part of the mountain ecosystem, and a guaranteed source of delight for our guests at the retreat.
A Glimmer of Green:
The Garden Emerald, aptly named for its vibrant plumage, is a member of the Trochilidae family, also known as the “emeralds” for their mesmerizing green hues. Males boast a dazzling display of metallic green upperparts, shimmering with a blue sheen in certain lights. Their forked tails are a stunning blue-black, with central feathers boasting a light bluish-green gloss. But the true showstopper is their underbelly – a brighter, richer metallic green that can sometimes take on a light blue cast. Completing the picture are adorable white thigh tufts, adding a touch of whimsical charm.
Females, while not quite as flashy, are no less beautiful. Their upperparts are a shimmering metallic green to bronze green, with the same bluish-green uppertail coverts. Their tails echo the males’, and their central feathers have a dull metallic green sheen. But the most distinctive feature is the pale gray tip on their outer tail feathers, a subtle detail that birdwatchers find endlessly fascinating.
A Jewel on the Wing:
The Garden Emerald is a tiny wonder, measuring a mere 7.8 to 8.5 centimeters (3.1 to 3.3 inches) in length and weighing a feather-light 3 to 4.1 grams (0.11 to 0.14 ounces). But what they lack in size, they make up for in boundless energy. Their wings beat with incredible speed, allowing them to hover in mid-air as they sip nectar from flowers. Their flight is a mesmerizing display of agility, as they dart, zip, and flit from bloom to bloom, a constant flurry of emerald green against the lush backdrop of the rainforest.
A Vital Role:
These little jewels are more than just pretty faces. They play a crucial role in the rainforest ecosystem. As they flit from flower to flower, feeding on nectar, they act as pollinators, ensuring the continued health and reproduction of a vast array of plants. Their tiny bodies carry pollen from flower to flower, promoting biodiversity and maintaining the delicate balance of the rainforest.
A Sight to Behold:
For our guests at the retreat, the Garden Emerald is a constant source of delight. Early risers are often treated to the sight of these dazzling hummers hovering near the lodge’s feeders, their wings a blur as they sip on the sweet nectar. Birdwatchers with a keen eye can spot them flitting through the gardens, their emerald bodies catching the sunlight like tiny gems. And for those lucky enough, a Garden Emerald might even perch on a nearby branch for a moment, allowing for an unforgettable close-up look at this magnificent creature.
Come See for Yourself:
The Garden Emerald is just one of the many incredible birds that call Costa Rica home. At our mountain retreat, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest, you have the chance to witness these feathered wonders firsthand. So pack your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to be enchanted by the dazzling Garden Emerald, a tiny jewel that embodies the magic of Costa Rica.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
