Talamanca Hummingbird

Costa Rica

Jul 17

Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis)

Name Origin:
The genus Eugenes is derived from Greek eugenēs, meaning “well-born” or “noble.” The species name spectabilis comes from Latin, meaning “notable” or “remarkable,” in reference to its bold appearance and size among mountain-gems.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 12–13.5 cm (4.7–5.3 in)
⚖️ Weight: 7.0–8.5 g (0.25–0.30 oz)
🌎 Range: Highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama
🧭 Elevation: 1,500–3,500 m (4,900–11,500 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Cloud forest and high-elevation oak forest
🧬 Clade: Lampornithini – “Mountain-gems”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic (no recognized subspecies)

Species Overview
The Talamanca Hummingbird is a large, robust species endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. It was formerly considered a southern subspecies of the Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens), but was split as a distinct species based on differences in plumage, vocalizations, and genetics. Males have a vivid emerald-green gorget and a glittering blue crown, while females are duller with green upperparts and pale underparts with green spotting.

It inhabits montane forest and forest edge, particularly favoring oak-dominated cloud forest with abundant epiphytes and flowering shrubs. Males are known for their aggressive territorial behavior and powerful, buzzy vocalizations. The species feeds on nectar from Salvia, Fuchsia, and Ericaceae, among others, and captures small insects in flight.

Male Description:
Glossy green body, bright blue crown, emerald gorget, and a dark, slightly forked tail. Heavy, straight black bill. Large and thick-necked appearance with a loud, buzzy call often heard before the bird is seen.

Female Description:
Green above with grayish underparts and scattered green spotting. Lacks the colorful crown and gorget of the male but maintains the overall structure and bill shape.

Habitat & Behavior:
This species forages in upper canopy and mid-level flowering shrubs, often defending large feeding territories. It moves altitudinally based on flowering cycles and is frequently seen at feeders in highland reserves and gardens.

Taxonomic Note:
The Talamanca Hummingbird was once lumped under the name "Magnificent Hummingbird" (Eugenes fulgens), which included populations in both North and Central America. In 2017, the North American form retained the name E. fulgens (now Rivoli’s Hummingbird), while the Central American highland population was elevated to species rank as Eugenes spectabilis. This split was supported by vocal, morphological, and range distinctions and is now widely accepted by major taxonomic authorities including eBird/Clements and IOC.

Conservation Note:
Although the species is currently listed as Least Concern, its dependence on intact highland forest makes it vulnerable to climate change and habitat fragmentation. Protected reserves in the Talamanca range play a key role in maintaining stable populations.