Selasphorus flammula
The Volcano Hummingbird (*Selasphorus flammula*) is a dazzling, diminutive jewel of the high-altitude Central American mountains, measuring a mere 5.5-6.5 cm (2.2-2.6 in) in length and weighing just 2.3-2.5 grams. Males are resplendent with iridescent green upperparts, a striking white postocular stripe, and a deeply forked tail with black outer feathers and rufous bases. Their most distinctive feature is the spectacular gorget, which varies from coppery-red to fiery orange, purple, or magent...
Found exclusively in high-elevation stunted cloud forests, paramos, subalpine scrub, and forest edges, typically between 1,850 to 3,700 meters (6,000-12,000 ft) above sea level, often on the slopes of volcanoes.
Primarily nectar from a variety of high-altitude flowers; also consumes small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight for protein.
Volcano Hummingbirds are intensely diurnal, spending their days actively foraging, defending territories, and occasionally engaging in courtship. To survive the frigid montane nights, they regularly enter a state of torpor, drastically lowering their body temperature and metabolic rate. Foraging ...
The Volcano Hummingbird is endemic to the high-elevation Talamanca Mountain Range, which extends through central and southern Costa Rica and into western Panama. Its distribution is fragmented, primarily inhabiting the slopes of various volcanoes and high peaks. In Costa Rica, the subspecies *S. ...
Least Concern
- The Volcano Hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbirds in its range, often weighing less than a U.S. penny. - Its name is derived from its preferred habitat on the slopes and craters of active and dormant volcanoes. - To survive the freezing nights at high altitudes, it regularly enters a ...