Bumblebee Hummingbird

The bumblebee hummingbird (Selasphorus heloisa), a diminutive avian jewel, is one of the smallest hummingbirds, measuring a mere 5.9 to 7.5 cm in length and weighing between 2 to 2.7 grams. Its plumage is a dazzling array of metallic hues, with males sporting a striking magenta to bluish purple gorget and females adorned with more subdued colors and spotted throats.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, look for its short, straight, blackish bill and the distinctive white spot behind the eye. Males have metallic bronze green to golden bronze upperparts and a flared gorget, while females have a white throat with metallic spots and less reddish cinnamon on the tail.

Habitat

The bumblebee hummingbird thrives in the montane regions of Mexico, favoring semi-humid to humid pine-oak forests, evergreen forests, cloud forests, and humid scrublands.

Distribution

Endemic to Mexico, the bumblebee hummingbird is found in the country's major mountain ranges, from Tamaulipas to Oaxaca and from Sinaloa to Jalisco. There has been a rare vagrant sighting in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, U.S.A.

Behaviour

This species is generally sedentary, but may exhibit seasonal movements between different forest types. It is often outcompeted by larger hummingbirds but uses its diminutive size to feed unobtrusively.

Song & Calls

The bumblebee hummingbird's song is a high, thin whine that fades at the end, while its calls are high-pitched chips. The male's wings produce an insect-like buzz, particularly during courtship displays.

Breeding

Courtship involves the male hovering and displaying his gorget to the female, along with rhythmic vertical movements. Nesting activity has been observed from late January to early March, with nests constructed from moss, lichen, and other fibers.

Similar Species

While similar in size to other "bee hummingbirds," the bumblebee hummingbird can be distinguished by its unique coloration and the male's distinctive gorget.

Diet and Feeding

The bumblebee hummingbird forages for nectar across a variety of flowering plants, preferring lower to middle vegetation levels. It also consumes small arthropods to supplement its diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the bumblebee hummingbird as Least Concern, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified. The Mexican government does not consider the species threatened.