Andean Emerald

Identification

The Andean emerald is a small hummingbird, measuring 9 to 11 cm in length and weighing around 5–6 grams. Both sexes possess a straight to slightly curved bill with a blackish upper mandible and coral-red lower mandible. Males of the nominate subspecies are particularly striking, displaying a glittering violet-blue crown contrasted with glittering golden-to-emerald green cheeks and neck. Their upperparts are light to golden-green with a coppery tinge on the tail coverts, the center of the underparts is white, and the tail is bronze-green to coppery. Females are similar but duller, with a turquoise-blue to greenish crown that lacks the male's brilliant glitter, brownish feather edges on the upperparts, and grayish-brown flanks. The two other recognized subspecies show subtle variations: U. f. viridiceps has a shorter tail and green crown, while U. f. cyanocollis is distinguished by blue extending from the crown to the nape.

Range & Habitat

The Andean emerald inhabits the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, with three subspecies distributed across this range: U. f. franciae in northwestern and central Colombia; U. f. viridiceps from southwestern Colombia through western Ecuador to Loja Province; and U. f. cyanocollis in southeastern Ecuador and northern Peru south to La Libertad Province. The species occupies secondary forest and the edges and clearings of wet primary forest, with drier shrublands in Peru. Elevationally, it ranges between 600 and 2,100 meters, though it is most common above 1,000 meters.

Behaviour & Diet

The Andean emerald forages for nectar at various flowering herbs, vines, and trees, typically in the middle to upper forest strata, employing a trap-lining strategy to visit a circuit of nectar sources. It also supplements its diet by hawking insects from a perch. Though sometimes observed at shared flower patches, it is subordinate to territorial hummingbird species. The bird makes variable seasonal elevational movements that remain not well defined.

Breeding occurs almost year-round, with females constructing small cup nests of treefern scales and plant fibers bound with spiderweb and decorated with lichen, typically placing them 1.4 to 2.3 meters above the ground. Females incubate clutches of two eggs for 19 to 24 days, with fledging occurring 16 to 22 days after hatching. The species produces a highly variable song of high-pitched squeaky whistles, trills, and scratchy notes, along with sharp calls and squeaky chatters during social interactions.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Andean emerald is uncommon to fairly common throughout its range and occurs in at least one protected area. Its year-round breeding activity suggests that sightings are possible in any season, though the poorly defined seasonal elevational movements mean optimal viewing times may vary by location. Travelers should focus on forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth at elevations above 1,000 meters across the Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Peruvian Andes.

Photography Tips

Photographing this small emerald requires patience and attention to light. The male's glittering violet-blue crown and golden-green cheeks are best captured in bright, direct sunlight that reveals these iridescent colors. Focus on flowering plants and nectar sources where the bird trap-lines, and watch for the moment it hovers or perches to feed. The species' preference for the middle to upper forest strata means shooting in dappled forest light; use a fast shutter speed to freeze wing motion and a telephoto lens to maintain distance without disturbing the bird.