White-vented Plumeleteer
White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii)
Name Origin:
The genus Chalybura comes from Greek chalybos (“steel”) and oura (“tail”), referencing the bird’s metallic coloration. The species name buffonii honors the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.
Quick Facts
Length: 10.5–12 cm (4.1–4.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~5.5–6.5 g (0.19–0.23 oz)
🌎 Range: Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, northwestern Peru
🛍️ Elevation: Sea level to 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
🌺 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid forests, secondary growth, plantations, gardens
🧬 Clade: Trochilini “Emeralds”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Five subspecies:
Chalybura buffonii micans
Distribution: Central and eastern Panama, western Colombia (south to Nariño), Cauca Valley, and upper Magdalena Valley.Chalybura buffonii buffonii
Distribution: Central Colombia (upper/middle Magdalena Valley), southern/western Maracaibo basin, adjacent slopes in extreme NE Colombia, and NW Venezuela (Zulia, W Mérida).Chalybura buffonii aeneicauda
Distribution: Northern Colombia (lower Magdalena Valley, Santa Marta region) east to western/north-central Venezuela (southern slope of Andes, coastal slope).Chalybura buffonii caeruleogaster (Blue-bellied)
Distribution: Northern and central Colombia on the eastern slope of the East Andes.Chalybura buffonii intermedia (Ecuadorian)
Distribution: Subtropical SW Ecuador (El Oro), NW Peru (Tumbes).
Species Overview
The White-vented Plumeleteer is a robust, medium-sized hummingbird recognized by its vibrant green to bluish plumage and contrasting white undertail coverts (“vent”). Males are especially brilliant, often appearing deep blue or blue-green in certain populations. Common at feeders, forest edges, and gardens, it is a regular presence throughout its range.
Male Description:
Males are metallic green to blue-green (depending on subspecies), with a distinctive white vent and undertail. Some subspecies (e.g., caeruleogaster) are deep blue-bellied. The bill is straight and black.
Female Description:
Females are similar but generally duller, with pale grayish underparts and a less vibrant sheen. The white vent remains distinctive.
Habitat & Behavior:
This species inhabits lowland and foothill humid forests, secondary growth, plantations, and gardens. It feeds at flowers and often perches openly. Males are territorial at flower patches, defending resources with aggressive chases and displays.
Conservation Note:
Widespread and adaptable, the White-vented Plumeleteer is considered of Least Concern. It remains common across most of its range, thriving even in disturbed habitats.
Below are individuals of the White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii aeneicauda)
Photographed at:
Hummingbirds Tayrona, Magdalena, Colombia
Hotel Minca, Magdalena, Colombia
Observatorio de Aves de Minca, Magdalena, Colombia
These individuals belong to the subspecies aeneicauda, found in northern Colombia (lower Magdalena Valley, Santa Marta region) and western/north-central Venezuela. They inhabit humid forests and edges, showing metallic green upperparts and a crisp white vent.
Below are individuals of the White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii buffonii)
Photographed at:
RN Retorno del Colibrí, Tolima, Colombia
These individuals belong to the subspecies buffonii, found in central Colombia (upper/middle Magdalena Valley) and adjacent Venezuela. This population frequents humid forest, secondary growth, and plantations, with metallic green upperparts and distinctive white vent.
Below are individuals of the White-vented Plumeleteer (Blue-bellied) (Chalybura buffonii caeruleogaster)
Photographed at:
Hacienda La Leona Birdwatching, Cundinamarca, Colombia
These individuals belong to the caeruleogaster (“Blue-bellied”) subspecies, which occurs on the eastern slope of the East Andes in northern and central Colombia. They are recognized by their deeper blue underparts and otherwise similar metallic green upperparts, foraging at flowers in humid forests and edges.
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