Volcano Hummingbird

Common name: Volcano Hummingbird
Scientific name: Selasphorus flammula
Clades: Mellisugini - Bees

The Volcano Hummingbird, a captivating and diminutive creature, holds its reign within the restricted bounds of the Costa Rica and Panama Highlands Endemic Bird Area. Flourishing in highland pastures, open grasslands adorned with scrub, and areas with altitudes above 2000 meters, this enchanting bird brings joy to fortunate observers. Comprising three subspecies, each distinguished by varying shades of the gorget, the southernmost form captivates onlookers with a gorget that ranges from purplish gray to resplendent green—a captivating spectacle indeed.

3 subspecies:

Volcano Hummingbird (Purple-throated)

1. S. f. flammula
   Distribution Central Costa Rica (Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes).

Volcano Hummingbird (Heliotrope-throated)

2. S. f. torridus
Distribution Southern Costa Rica (Cordillera de Talamanca) and extreme western Panama (Volcán Barú).

Volcano Hummingbird (Rose-throated)

3. S. f. simoni
Distribution Central Costa Rica (Poás and Barva Volcanoes).

Volcano Hummingbird (Heliotrope-throated) below

Volcano Hummingbird (Rose-throated) below