Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, we have the privilege of being surrounded by some of the most vibrant and diverse birdlife on the planet. Today, we turn our gaze to a dazzling resident of the cloud forest, the Green-fronted Lancebill.

Adorned with a crown worthy of royalty, the Green-fronted Lancebill is a hummingbird unlike any other. Its most striking feature is the iridescent green patch of feathers adorning its forehead, which gleams like an emerald under the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. This glittering patch, particularly prominent in males, is what gives the bird its name.

But the Lancebill isn’t just about flashy headwear. Its most remarkable physical characteristic is its incredibly long, decurved bill. This specialized tool sets it apart from other hummingbirds. You might wonder, why such an extended beak?

The Green-fronted Lancebill thrives in the perpetually damp cloud forests, where it frequents fast-moving streams and rivers. Here, its long bill acts like a nectar straw, perfectly adapted to reach deep into the tubular flowers that dangle from bromeliads and other epiphytes clinging to the mossy trees. These flowers, often red or pink, are inaccessible to most hummingbirds with shorter beaks.

While the males consistently sport their dazzling green foreheads, the appearance of females can be a little more variable. Some sources describe their forehead patch as less prominent or even entirely absent, while others claim it can be as vibrant as the males’. Regardless of the extent of their emerald crown, females generally have a duller overall plumage, with a drab grey-green breast and belly compared to the male’s slightly more iridescent feathers.

Spotting a Green-fronted Lancebill requires patience and a keen eye. Their preferred habitat, the cloud forest, can be shrouded in mist, making them difficult to see at first glance. However, their presence is often announced by their buzzing wings as they hover in mid-air, extracting nectar from their favorite flowers.

If you’re fortunate enough to encounter this dazzling hummer, keep an eye out for an interesting behavior. Unlike most hummingbirds that feed on the wing, the Green-fronted Lancebill sometimes perches on the flower while feeding, offering a better view of its unique bill and glittering crown.

Here at our mountain retreat, nestled within the cloud forest, birding enthusiasts have a good chance of adding the Green-fronted Lancebill to their life list. With a little patience and a sprinkle of luck, you might just catch a glimpse of this emerald jewel flitting through the trees, a dazzling reminder of the wonders that await in the heart of the Costa Rican mountains.

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