Saucerottia tobaci
The Copper-rumped Hummingbird, *Saucerottia tobaci*, is a vibrant, medium-sized hummingbird renowned for its striking iridescent plumage and distinctive field marks. Measuring approximately 8.5 to 11 cm (3.3-4.3 inches) in length and weighing 4 to 6 grams (0.14-0.21 oz), both sexes exhibit a brilliant emerald green body that transitions dramatically to a rich, coppery-red rump and tail, a feature that gives the species its common name. The bill is relatively straight and black, often with a r...
This species primarily inhabits semi-open areas such as forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, suburban gardens, and cacao or coffee plantations from sea level up to around 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in elevation.
Their diet consists primarily of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small arthropods (insects and spiders) caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
Copper-rumped Hummingbirds are highly diurnal, active throughout daylight hours, foraging and defending territories with intense energy, often entering a state of torpor at night to conserve energy. They are opportunistic foragers, hovering at flowers to extract nectar and hawking small insects i...
The Copper-rumped Hummingbird is a resident species, primarily distributed across Trinidad, Tobago, and northeastern Venezuela, with no significant migratory movements. On Trinidad, it is widespread and common across various habitats, from coastal lowlands to mid-elevations. In Tobago, it is also...
Least Concern
- The Copper-rumped Hummingbird's wings beat so rapidly (up to 80 beats per second) they create a distinct hum. - Despite their small size, they are notoriously aggressive, often chasing away much larger birds, including hawks, from their territories. - Like all hummingbirds, they have an incredi...