Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird
Common name: Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird
Scientific name: Chrysuronia lilliae
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Chrysuronia lilliae)
Name Origin:
The genus Chrysuronia combines Greek chrysos meaning “gold” and ouranos meaning “sky,” a poetic reference to the brilliant coloration of species in this group. The species name lilliae honors American philanthropist and conservationist Lillie Bliss.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 8.5–9.5 cm (3.3–3.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~4.0–4.5 g (0.14–0.16 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to a small coastal zone in northern Colombia (lower Magdalena Valley, near Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta)
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to ~100 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Coastal mangroves, semi-deciduous forest, and adjacent scrub
🧬 Clade: Trochilini (a.k.a. “emeralds”)
📊 Status: Endangered (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.
Species Overview
The Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird is a rare and range-restricted species found only in a small area of mangroves and coastal forest in northern Colombia. It is easily recognized by its vibrant metallic green upperparts, deep blue-violet throat, and rich sapphire-blue belly. Males and females are similar, with minor variation in throat and belly sheen.
Male Description:
Bright green back and crown, iridescent violet throat, deep blue underparts, and a short forked tail with bronzy tips. The bill is straight and black.
Female Description:
Similar to the male but slightly duller, with a less vivid throat and lighter belly. Tail may show slightly more rufous edging.
Habitat & Behavior:
Restricted to lowland coastal mangrove forests, semi-deciduous woodland, and scrub along the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Forages at low to mid-height flowers and may feed quietly in dense vegetation. Typically solitary and non-territorial. Often overlooked due to its small population and localized range.
Conservation Note:
The Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird is listed as Endangered due to its extremely limited range and the continued loss of coastal habitat. Mangrove destruction, agriculture, and development have fragmented and reduced available habitat. With an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, urgent protection of remaining mangrove forest and enforcement of habitat conservation policies in the Ciénaga Grande region are critical for the species’ survival.
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