Scaly-breasted Hummingbird

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Phaeochroa cuvierii)

Name Origin:
The genus Phaeochroa combines Greek phaios meaning “dusky” and khroa meaning “color” or “complexion,” referring to the bird’s dull or muted plumage tones. The species name cuvierii honors the French naturalist Georges Cuvier.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 11–12.5 cm (4.3–4.9 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~5.0–6.0 g (0.18–0.21 oz)
🌎 Range: Southern Mexico to Colombia
🧭 Elevation: 0–1,500 m (0–4,920 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Lowland and foothill forest edge, plantations, and second growth
🧬 Clade: Trochilini (“Emeralds”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Six subspecies:

1. Phaeochroa cuvierii roberti
   Distribution: Extreme southeastern Mexico (northeastern Chiapas), northern Guatemala, and Belize south along the Caribbean slope to northeastern Costa Rica

2. Phaeochroa cuvierii maculicauda
   Distribution: Pacific slope of Costa Rica

3. Phaeochroa cuvierii furvescens
   Distribution: Pacific slope of western Panama

4. Phaeochroa cuvierii saturatior
   Distribution: Coiba Island, off southwestern Panama

5. Phaeochroa cuvierii cuvierii
   Distribution: Central Panama, east to western San Blas

6. Phaeochroa cuvierii berlepschi
   Distribution: Northern Colombia (northern Atlántico and northwestern Bolívar)

Species Overview

The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird is a large, relatively plain hummingbird found across a wide swath of lowland Central America and northern Colombia. Named for the faint scalloping on its underparts, it is adaptable and often seen in gardens and edge habitats. Its subtle plumage sets it apart from more colorful relatives, and it is frequently heard before it is seen.

Male Description:
Dusky green upperparts, pale grayish throat and breast with dusky green scaling, and a slightly decurved black bill. Tail is slightly notched and shows a dull bronze sheen.

Female Description:
Very similar to male, but with a slightly shorter bill and duller scaling below.

Habitat & Behavior:
Occupies a variety of lowland habitats, including humid forest edge, clearings, plantations, and gardens. Regularly feeds from flowering shrubs and small trees, often defending feeding sites aggressively. Calls are loud and harsh, and it can be conspicuous despite its drab coloring.

Conservation Note:
The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern, with a broad range and stable population. Its adaptability to human-modified landscapes contributes to its resilience, though habitat degradation in parts of its range may have local impacts. It remains widespread and locally common throughout its distribution.

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Below is the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Phaeochroa cuvierii roberti)

Photographed at Plumas y Picos and Nectar & Pollen Reserve, Limón, Costa Rica

These individuals belong to the subspecies roberti, which ranges from southern Mexico through northern Central America south to the Caribbean slope of northeastern Costa Rica. It favors lowland humid forests and edge habitats and is one of the more vocal hummingbirds in its range.

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Below is the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird (Phaeochroa cuvierii maculicauda)

Photographed at Esquipulas Rainforest Lodge, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

These individuals belong to the subspecies maculicauda, which is found along the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. It inhabits forest edge, plantations, and second growth in lowland and foothill zones, typically from sea level up to 1,200 meters. This subspecies shows darker green upperparts and more extensive underpart scaling.