Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, nature unfolds its wonders all around you. Vibrant flora bursts with color, exotic calls fill the air, and amongst the emerald canopy flits a dazzling gem – the Green-crowned Brilliant.
This stunning hummingbird, also known as the Green-fronted Brilliant, is a resident breeder in the very highlands that cradle our retreat. If you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply someone who appreciates a touch of magic, the Green-crowned Brilliant is sure to become a highlight of your visit.
A Flash of Emerald and Fire
The Green-crowned Brilliant lives up to its name. Males boast an iridescent green crown that shimmers like an emerald under the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. Their throat and breast are adorned with a fiery metallic gorget, which takes on a dazzling red or orange hue depending on the angle of light. This fiery bib is a stark contrast to their bronzy-green back and underparts.
Females, while lacking the male’s flamboyant crown and gorget, are no less beautiful. They sport a glistening green back and head, with a touch of white behind the eye and a pale underside. Both sexes have a long, slightly decurved bill, perfectly adapted for reaching the nectar of the flowering trees that line our mountain trails.
A Master of the Hover
Like all hummingbirds, the Green-crowned Brilliant is a master of aerial acrobatics. Their wings beat at an astonishing rate, allowing them to hover in mid-air as they probe the depths of flowers for their sweet nectar meal. This hovering ability makes them appear like tiny helicopters, flitting from bloom to bloom with remarkable agility.
A Forest Dweller with a Sweet Tooth
The Green-crowned Brilliant is a creature of the humid submontane and montane forests. Here at our retreat, you’ll find them thriving between 700 and 2,200 meters above sea level, flitting amongst the trees in search of their favorite food source – nectar. They are particularly drawn to flowering Heliconia plants, but will also visit bromeliads and other nectar-rich flowers.
These tiny birds are vital pollinators, flitting from flower to flower and transferring pollen grains, thus ensuring the continued health and beauty of the mountain ecosystem.
A Glimpse of Brilliance Awaits
The Green-crowned Brilliant is a common sight in the highland forests surrounding our retreat. Keep an eye out for their dazzling plumage as they flit amongst the flowers, their wings a blur as they hover in mid-air. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this jewel of the Costa Rican mountains.
Tips for Spotting the Green-crowned Brilliant:
- Visit our higher-elevation gardens and trails, where flowering plants are abundant.
- Look for their rapid wing beats and characteristic hovering behavior near flowers.
- Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for hummingbird activity.
- Bring binoculars for a closer look at their stunning plumage.
We hope this blog post has piqued your interest in this dazzling hummingbird. The next time you visit our Costa Rican retreat, keep your eyes peeled for the Green-crowned Brilliant – a tiny jewel with a mesmerizing display of color and a vital role to play in the mountain ecosystem.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
