Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, mornings are a symphony of bird songs. But amidst the chorus, there is a dazzling flash of black and emerald that never fails to catch the eye: the Black-bellied Hummingbird (Eupherusa nigriventris). This tiny winged jewel is a resident of the Costa Rican highlands, including the very mountains that host our retreat.
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A Surprising Contrast
The Black-bellied Hummingbird lives up to its name. The males are a sight to behold, with a mask, throat, and belly of velvety black that shine in the sun. This dark plumage is wonderfully offset by their iridescent golden-green upper parts, creating a striking contrast. Their wings are a rusty brown at the curve, adding another layer of visual interest.
The females, although lacking the dramatic black markings of the males, are no less beautiful. They sport a green back and pale underparts, with extensive white on the tail feathers. This white tail is a key identifier, helping to distinguish them from the similarly appearing Stripe-tailed Hummingbird.
A Master of Flight
Like all hummingbirds, the Black-bellied is a marvel of aerial acrobatics. Their wings beat at an incredible rate, up to 100 times per second! This rapid movement creates the characteristic hum that gives these birds their name. The human eye can’t even follow the blur of their wings, allowing them to hover in the air while sipping nectar from flowers.
Building a Home
The Black-bellied Hummingbird is an ingenious nester. The females take on the task of building the nest, a bulky cup-shaped structure made of plant fibers and cleverly camouflaged with green moss on the outside. They typically build their nests 2-4 meters high, often at the end of a drooping bamboo stem or on a rootlet under a bank. The interior is lined with soft plant fibers, animal hair, and feather down, and reinforced with spider webs and other sticky materials. This elastic quality allows the nest to stretch as the chicks grow.
Un Residente de las Montañas
While the Black-bellied Hummingbird can occasionally be seen at feeders or gardens, it is primarily found in mountain forests and along forest edges. So, if you stay at our mountain retreat and keep your eyes peeled, you might be lucky enough to see this dazzling hummingbird flitting among the trees.
Tips for Spotting the Black-bellied Hummingbird
- Early morning: Hummingbirds are most active in the early hours, so head to your balcony or explore the gardens first thing to increase your chances of seeing one.
- Look for flowers: Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers with readily available nectar. Keep an eye out near flowering shrubs and trees.
- Listen for the hum: The rapid beating of their wings creates a distinctive hum. Once you know what to listen for, you might be surprised at how often you hear them.
With a bit of patience and these helpful tips, you might be able to add the Black-bellied Hummingbird to your Costa Rica bird list. And remember, if you have any questions about the birds you see around our retreat, our trained staff will always be happy to assist you!
Para obtener más información, consulte nuestra guía completa sobre las aves de Costa Rica.
