Scintillant Hummingbird

Costa Rica

Jul 17

Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla)

Name Origin:
The genus Selasphorus is from the Greek selas meaning “flame” and phoros meaning “bearing,” referring to the fiery gorget of males in the group. The species name scintilla is Latin for “spark” or “glow,” describing the bird’s tiny size and glittering throat.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 6.5–8 cm (2.6–3.1 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~2.0–2.5 g (0.07–0.09 oz)
🌎 Range: Highland Costa Rica and far western Panama
🧭 Elevation: 900–2,500 m (2,950–8,200 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Highland forest edge, scrub, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Mellisugini (“Bees”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.

Species Overview

The Scintillant Hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the world, found in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. Males are tiny and aggressive, often dominating feeders or flowering bushes despite their size. Their fiery-orange gorgets flare brilliantly in good light, making them unmistakable. This species is common in gardens, brushy forest edge, and highland coffee plantations.

Male Description:
Bright orange gorget, white chest and belly, bronzy-green upperparts, and a short, straight black bill. Tail is square and dark with rufous tones.

Female Description:
Lacks the orange gorget, instead showing a pale throat with small dusky speckles. Rufous flanks and a whitish belly contrast with green upperparts.

Habitat & Behavior:
Inhabits highland forest edges, second growth, pastures with scattered trees, and gardens. Feeds actively from low flowering plants and shrubs, often chasing off larger hummingbirds. Also takes small insects in flight. Courtship includes shuttle displays and dive flights by the male.

Conservation Note:
Listed as Least Concern, the Scintillant Hummingbird has a relatively small range but remains common and stable within it. It thrives in open and semi-disturbed habitats, including agricultural and residential areas. Continued protection of highland ecosystems ensures the species’ long-term security.