Steely-vented Hummingbird

The Steely-vented Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird that is a resident breeder from western Nicaragua to Costa Rica, and also in Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. The Central American birds differ in voice and behaviour from those in South America and may be a separate species, the Blue-vented Hummingbird . Both forms are sometimes placed in the genus Saucerottia, but this is not recognized by most authorities, notably AOU and Howard & Moore.

The Steely-vented Hummingbird is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Steely-vented Hummingbird (Amazilia saucerrottei) is a medium-sized hummingbird that is a resident breeder from western Nicaragua to Costa Rica, and also in Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. The Central American birds differ in voice and behaviour from those in South America and may be a separate species, the Blue-vented Hummingbird (A. hoffmanni, syn. A. sophiae). Both forms are sometimes placed in the genus Saucerottia, but this is not recognized by most authorities, notably AOU and Howard & Moore. More

The Steely-vented Hummingbird is 9 cm long and weighs 4.5 g. It is mainly bronze-green above, becoming more bronze on the wing, lower back and rump, and has a blue-black tail. The male has glittering green under parts, white thighs and a blue vent. The female is is duller green below and has grey-buff edges to the vent feathers. Young birds are dull dark bronze-green below. More

Steely-vented Hummingbirds (Amazilia saucerrottei) are common in open areas of scrubby, second growth forest, coffee plantations, gardens, and at the edges of forests in Costa Rica. These dazzling hummingbirds are at their most beautiful when seen in full sunlight because all the varying shades of their plumage have a shimmering, metallic iridescence that can only be seen in bright light. More

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Steely-vented Hummingbird ; Nikon D100, Nikkor VR 80-400mm lens. Ruby-throated Hummingbird ; Nikon D100, Nikkor VR 80-400mm lens. Cinnamon Hummingbird ; Nikon D100, Nikkor VR 80-400mm lens. Cinnamon Hummingbird ; Nikon D100, Nikkor VR 80-400mm lens. More

Hummingbirds, like this steely-vented hummingbird in Costa Rica, are nearly always on the go. See more hummingbird pictures. The hummingbird is to the bird world what the helicopter is to aviation. The tiny bird - which tops out at 20 grams (less than an ounce) - not only can fly on every axis, but also hover in midair. This incredible flying ability makes hummingbirds one of the most fascinating birds to watch. More