Scintillant Hummingbird

Selasphorus scintilla

The Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla) is a tiny, vibrant hummingbird found in the highland forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. With a length of only 7.5 cm and a weight of 2-3 grams, this species is one of the smallest birds in the world. It has iridescent green upperparts, a white breast, and a glittering red throat patch in males. These agile birds feed on nectar from a variety of flowers and are known for their remarkable aerial acrobatics. They also consume small insects and spiders as a source of protein. The Scintillant Hummingbird is a delightful sight in its montane cloud forest habitat, where it flits among the foliage and emits high-pitched chirping calls.

Habitat: Highland forests