El Salvador is home to a diverse array of hummingbird species, and this article highlights the 10 most common ones found in the country. From the solitary and aggressive Berylline Hummingbird to the skilled home-builder, the Green-breasted Mango, each species brings its unique characteristics. Whether it’s the migratory habits of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird or the impressive heart rate of the Rivoli’s Hummingbird, these tiny creatures never fail to captivate. From the threatened natural habitat of the Green-throated Mountain-Gem to the bustling gardens and clearings inhabited by the Canivet’s Emerald, El Salvador provides a rich environment for these stunning birds. Explore the world of hummingbirds and discover the beauty they bring to this Central American country.
Berylline Hummingbird
The Berylline Hummingbird is a delightful little bird that can be found in the beautiful country of El Salvador. This charming species is known for its vibrant plumage and unique characteristics.
Characteristics
The Berylline Hummingbird is a relatively small bird, measuring around 4.5 inches in length and weighing just a few grams. The male of the species boasts a striking emerald green head and back, with a shimmering blue throat. Its wings are a deep brown color, which provides a wonderful contrast against its vibrant body. The female, on the other hand, has a more subdued appearance with a duller green coloration.
Habitat and Range
This species of hummingbird can be found in a variety of habitats throughout El Salvador, including forests, woodlands, and gardens. They have a wide range and can be spotted in many different parts of the country. These birds are known to be quite territorial and will fiercely defend their preferred feeding areas.
Feeding Habits
The Berylline Hummingbird has a varied diet, feeding on nectar from flowers, as well as spiders and insects. They are excellent hoverers and can easily sip nectar from tube-shaped flowers. Due to their aggressive nature, they are often seen defending their food sources from other birds.
Behavior
These little birds are solitary by nature and prefer to spend their time alone. They are known for their territorial behavior, often aggressively defending their feeding areas and chasing away intruders. Despite their small size, they are fearless in protecting what they consider to be their territory.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Another fascinating hummingbird species found in El Salvador is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This species is known for its stunning appearance and interesting behaviors.
Characteristics
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small bird, measuring around 3-4 inches in length. As their name suggests, males of this species have a vibrant ruby-red throat, which is a defining feature. The rest of their body is a shiny green color, allowing them to blend in well with their surroundings. Females, on the other hand, are slightly duller in color, with a white throat and green body.
Habitat and Range
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are migratory birds that travel to El Salvador during the winter months. They can be found in various habitats, including gardens, forests, and even urban areas. These agile birds are known to travel long distances during their migration, covering thousands of miles.
Feeding Habits
Like other hummingbird species, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a diet primarily consisting of nectar. They have a long, needle-like beak that allows them to easily access the nectar from tubular flowers. These birds are known for their aggression when it comes to defending their food sources, often engaging in fierce battles with other hummingbirds.
Behavior
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are fascinating to observe due to their energetic and territorial nature. They are known to fiercely defend their feeding areas and flower patches, chasing away any intruders. During the breeding season, the males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Cinnamon Hummingbird
The Cinnamon Hummingbird is a beautiful and unique species that can be found year-round in the stunning landscapes of El Salvador. This species is well-known for its distinct characteristics and for its preference for tube-shaped red flowers.
Characteristics
The Cinnamon Hummingbird is a petite bird, measuring around 3.5 inches in length. As its name suggests, this bird has cinnamon-brown plumage, which covers most of its body. It has a green tail and wings, creating a lovely contrast against its cinnamon-colored body. Both males and females have similar coloration, with the males displaying slightly more vibrant hues.
Habitat and Range
This species of hummingbird can be found in a variety of habitats throughout El Salvador, including forests, woodlands, and gardens. They are particularly fond of tube-shaped red flowers, which provide them with the nectar they need to survive. These birds are often spotted near flowering plants, hovering effortlessly as they sip nectar.
Feeding Habits
The Cinnamon Hummingbird is a nectarivorous species, meaning that it primarily feeds on nectar from flowers. It uses its long, slender beak to access the sweet nectar deep inside the tube-shaped red flowers it favors. In addition to nectar, these birds also feed on small insects and spiders, which provide them with additional nutrients.
Behavior
Cinnamon Hummingbirds are known to be quite territorial, fiercely defending their feeding areas from other hummingbirds. They can be seen engaging in impressive aerial displays, hovering and darting to assert their dominance. Despite their small size, they have a bold and feisty personality.
Rivoli’s Hummingbird
One of the most fascinating hummingbirds found in El Salvador is the Rivoli’s Hummingbird. This species is known for its unique characteristics and behaviors that set it apart from other birds.
Characteristics
The Rivoli’s Hummingbird is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 4.5-5 inches in length. It has a dark green body, with a shimmering purple crown on its head. Males have a long, forked tail, which adds to their stunning appearance. Females, on the other hand, are slightly duller in color, with a white belly and gray throat.
Habitat and Range
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds can be found in various habitats throughout El Salvador, including forests and woodlands. They are known to coexist peacefully with other hummingbird species and can often be seen sharing feeding areas without any conflicts. These birds have a wide range and can be spotted in different parts of the country.
Feeding Habits
Like other hummingbird species, Rivoli’s Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers. They have a long, curved bill that allows them to access the nectar from tube-shaped flowers. These birds are also known to consume small insects and spiders, which provide them with essential proteins.
Behavior
Despite their relatively large size, Rivoli’s Hummingbirds have a gentle and peaceful demeanor. They often coexist harmoniously with other hummingbirds, sharing feeding areas and even perching together on nearby branches. These birds are also known for their impressive aerial displays, performing acrobatic maneuvers to attract mates or defend their territories.
Azure-crowned Hummingbird
The Azure-crowned Hummingbird is a delightful species that can be found in the captivating landscapes of El Salvador. This tiny bird is known for its stunning appearance and interesting behaviors.
Characteristics
The Azure-crowned Hummingbird is a small bird, measuring around 3-3.5 inches in length. It has a lovely green body, with a vibrant blue crown on its head, giving it a distinctive and regal appearance. While males and females have similar coloration, the males’ crown is often more vibrant and iridescent.
Habitat and Range
These beautiful birds can be found in a variety of habitats throughout El Salvador, including forests, woodlands, and gardens. Azure-crowned Hummingbirds are particularly fond of areas with flowering plants, which provide them with the nectar they need to fuel their energetic lifestyle. They are also known to construct their nests using pine needles, often high up in the branches of trees.
Feeding Habits
Like other hummingbird species, Azure-crowned Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers. They have a long, curved beak that allows them to access the sweet nectar hidden deep inside the flowers’ tubes. In addition to nectar, these birds also consume small insects and spiders, which provide them with a supplementary source of nutrients.
Behavior
Azure-crowned Hummingbirds are fascinating to observe due to their lively and inquisitive nature. They are often seen darting among flowering plants, hovering expertly as they sip nectar. These birds are also known to engage in aerial displays during the breeding season, with males performing intricate flight patterns to attract females.
Green-throated Mountain-Gem
The Green-throated Mountain-Gem is a stunning hummingbird species that can be found in the breathtaking mountainous regions of El Salvador. This unique bird is known for its vibrant plumage and its preference for tubular flowers.
Characteristics
The Green-throated Mountain-Gem is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring around 4-4.5 inches in length. It has a beautiful emerald green body, with a shimmering throat that ranges in color from turquoise to bright emerald green. Males have a more vibrant plumage, with a longer tail and a distinct green throat patch. Females, on the other hand, have a slightly duller appearance, with a white throat and green body.
Habitat and Range
As their name suggests, Green-throated Mountain-Gems can be found in the mountainous regions of El Salvador. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, including cloud forests and montane forests. Unfortunately, deforestation poses a significant threat to their natural habitat, making conservation efforts crucial to their survival.
Feeding Habits
Green-throated Mountain-Gems primarily feed on nectar from tubular flowers, which is essential for their survival. Their long, slender beak allows them to access the nectar hidden deep inside the flowers. The green throat patch of the males plays a vital role in attracting mates and defending their territories.
Behavior
These birds are known for their active and agile behavior. They can be seen darting among flowers and hovering expertly as they feed on nectar. Green-throated Mountain-Gems are quite territorial and will defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds, engaging in aerial displays to assert their dominance.
Green-breasted Mango
The Green-breasted Mango is a fabulous hummingbird species that can be found in the lush forests and gardens of El Salvador. This bird is known for its stunning appearance and interesting nesting habits.
Characteristics
The Green-breasted Mango is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring around 4.5 inches in length. It has a shimmering green body, with a distinct green throat patch that gives it its name. The males of this species have elongated tail feathers, adding to their unique appearance. Females, on the other hand, have a slightly duller plumage, with a white belly and green body.
Habitat and Range
Green-breasted Mangos can be found in a variety of habitats throughout El Salvador, including forests, woodlands, and gardens. These birds prefer areas with dense vegetation, which provides them with ample opportunities to hide and build their nests. They are often spotted near flowering plants, sipping nectar and feeding.
Feeding Habits
Like other hummingbird species, the Green-breasted Mango primarily feeds on nectar from flowers. They have a long, slender beak that allows them to access the sweet nectar hidden deep inside the flowers’ tubes. In addition to nectar, these birds also consume small insects and spiders, which provide them with additional nutrients.
Behavior
Green-breasted Mangos are known for their interesting nesting habits. They often build their nests near stinging ants, as these ants provide a layer of protection against potential nest predators. These birds are skilled home builders and construct their nests using plant fibers, moss, and spider silk. They are also known to perform impressive aerial displays to attract mates and defend their territories.
Violet Sabrewing
One of the most captivating hummingbirds found in El Salvador is the Violet Sabrewing. This species is the largest hummingbird in the country and is known for its striking appearance and unique behaviors.
Characteristics
The Violet Sabrewing is a large hummingbird, measuring around 5-6 inches in length. It has a magnificent violet plumage, which covers most of its body. Males have a vibrant violet throat, while females have a slightly duller appearance with a white throat. Their wings are a deep black color, adding to their overall elegance.
Habitat and Range
These beautiful birds can be found in various habitats throughout El Salvador, including forests, woodlands, and gardens. They are particularly fond of areas with flowering plants, which provide them with the nectar they need to sustain their large size. Due to their preference for specific habitats, they can be quite localized in their range.
Feeding Habits
The Violet Sabrewing has a high-energy lifestyle due to its size, requiring a substantial amount of nectar to fuel its activities. It primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, using its long, curved beak to access the sweet nectar hidden inside. In addition to nectar, these birds also consume small insects and spiders, providing them with essential proteins.
Behavior
Violet Sabrewings are known for their bold and assertive behavior. They are often seen defending their feeding areas from other hummingbirds, engaging in aerial battles to assert their dominance. These birds also perform elaborate courtship displays during the mating season, including high-speed dives and sharp turns, accompanied by loud wing sounds.
Plain-capped Starthroat
The Plain-capped Starthroat is a medium-sized hummingbird species found in the mountains and foothill regions of El Salvador. This bird is known for its distinctive appearance and interesting behaviors.
Characteristics
The Plain-capped Starthroat is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring around 4-5 inches in length. It has a predominantly green plumage, with a plain gray cap on its head, giving it its name. Males of this species have a vibrant orange throat, while females have a slightly duller appearance with a white throat and gray cap.
Habitat and Range
These beautiful birds can be found in the mountainous and foothill regions of El Salvador. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, including cloud forests and montane forests. Due to their specific habitat requirements, they can be localized in their range and are often found in higher elevations.
Feeding Habits
Plain-capped Starthroats primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They have a long, curved beak that allows them to access the sweet nectar hidden inside the flowers’ tubes. These birds are also known to consume small insects and spiders, which provide them with additional nutrients.
Behavior
Plain-capped Starthroats are known for their agile and acrobatic behavior. They can often be seen darting among flowers, hovering expertly as they feed on nectar. These birds are known to be quite territorial and will defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds, engaging in aerial displays to assert their dominance.
Canivet’s Emerald
The Canivet’s Emerald is a stunning hummingbird species that can be found year-round in El Salvador. This bird is known for its deep green plumage and its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats.
Characteristics
The Canivet’s Emerald is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring around 3.5-4 inches in length. It has a vibrant green body, which is distinctly darker than other hummingbird species. Males have a shimmering green throat, while females have a slightly duller coloration with a white throat.
Habitat and Range
These beautiful birds can be found in a variety of habitats throughout El Salvador, including gardens, forests, and clearings. They are adaptable birds that can thrive in both natural and urban environments. Canivet’s Emeralds are year-round residents in the country, ensuring their presence is felt throughout the seasons.
Feeding Habits
The Canivet’s Emerald primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers. Their long, slender beak allows them to access the sweet nectar hidden inside the flowers’ tubes. These birds are also known to consume small insects and spiders, which provide them with additional nutrients.
Behavior
Canivet’s Emeralds are relatively quiet and peaceful birds. They can often be seen hovering near flowers, delicately sipping nectar. These birds are known to have a curious nature, investigating their surroundings and occasionally perching in conspicuous locations. Despite their small size, Canivet’s Emeralds have a stoic presence that adds to their charm.
By providing comprehensive information on each of these ten common hummingbird species found in El Salvador, this article aims to showcase the diversity and beauty of these extraordinary birds. Whether it’s the solitary and aggressive Berylline Hummingbird, the migratory and territorial Ruby-throated Hummingbird, or the year-round resident Cinnamon Hummingbird, each species brings its unique characteristics and behaviors to the vibrant tapestry of hummingbirds in El Salvador. So, the next time you find yourself in the enchanting landscapes of this Central American country, keep an eye out for these marvelous creatures, and you might just witness their breathtaking displays and fascinating interactions in person.