Elliotomyia chionogaster
The White-bellied Hummingbird (Elliotomyia chionogaster) is a striking medium-sized hummingbird, typically measuring 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length and weighing between 5.0-7.0 grams. Its most distinctive feature is the brilliant, contrasting pure white underparts set against iridescent grass-green upperparts. The rump and outer tail feathers display a warm rufous or cinnamon color, transitioning to bronze-green in the central tail. The bill is relatively long and straight to slightly de...
Primarily inhabits Andean foothills and inter-Andean valleys, favoring semi-arid scrub, dry woodlands, forest edges, plantations, and gardens at elevations typically between 500 and 3,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
White-bellied Hummingbirds are highly diurnal, spending their days actively foraging for nectar and insects. They often employ a 'traplining' foraging strategy, visiting a regular circuit of flowering plants, or aggressively defending a patch of abundant flowers from rivals. Males are notably ter...
The White-bellied Hummingbird is endemic to the central Andes of South America, with a primary distribution spanning Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. In Peru, it is found east of the Andes from the departments of Amazonas south through Cusco to Puno. Its range extends into Bolivia, wher...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'chionogaster' is derived from Greek words meaning 'snowy belly,' perfectly describing its most prominent feature. - It is one of only two species in the genus Elliotomyia, making it a close relative of the widespread Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. - Despite its 'Least Concern' ...