Shining-green Hummingbird
Common name: Shining-green Hummingbird
Scientific name: Chrysuronia goudoti
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
A radiant and adaptable species, the Shining-green Hummingbird is found across northern and western Colombia and into northwestern Venezuela, where it inhabits dry forests, scrublands, plantations, and even urban gardens. Measuring 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 4 in) and weighing around 3.5 to 4.5 grams (0.12 to 0.16 oz), this species lives up to its name with dazzling iridescence and widespread presence in semi-open habitats.
Male Description:
The male is boldly iridescent, with vivid shining green upperparts and underparts, and sometimes a bluish wash on the throat or chest. His tail is deep bronze to coppery, slightly forked, and often fanned during displays. The bill is straight, black, and moderately short—well-suited for nectar feeding at a variety of native and ornamental flowers.
Female Description:
Females are slightly duller, with less intense green iridescence and often a grayer belly or pale mottling below. Their tail is similar in shape but may show more contrast or paler tips. Though less conspicuous, females share the species’ adaptability and foraging style.
Habitat & Behavior:
This species thrives in dry and moist forest edges, coffee plantations, gardens, and arid scrub. It forages at a wide range of heights and often perches conspicuously. It feeds on nectar and insects, sometimes visiting feeders in rural areas. Its adaptability to modified landscapes has helped it remain locally common in many regions.
2 subspecies:
C. g. luminosa
Distribution of coastal lowlands of N Colombia (N Chocó to Bolívar and Cesar).C. g. goudoti
Distribution middle and upper Magdalena Valley, in C Colombia.C. g. zuliae
Distribution N and W parts of L Maracaibo basin in extreme NE Colombia and NW Venezuela (N and NE Zulia).C. g. phaeochroa
Distribution S and E parts of L Maracaibo basin (S Zulia, and W Trujillo S to Táchira), in NW Venezuela.