Snowcap

The Snowcap, a diminutive and striking hummingbird, measures a mere 6.5 to 7 cm in length and tips the scales at approximately 2.7 grams. This species is adorned with a distinctive white crown and forehead, which inspired both its English and scientific names. The males exhibit a dark purple plumage with a purplish-black nape and a reddish gloss on their back, rump, and uppertail coverts. Their face and underparts are a glossy black with a reddish-purple sheen. The females, on the other hand, boast a metallic green back with bronze uppertail coverts and pale grayish-white underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Snowcap, look for the adult male's white crown, a feature that is unmistakable in the field. The females and immature males can be recognized by their metallic green backs and the unique pattern of their tail feathers, which are bronze in the center and mostly black with white bases and tips on the outer feathers.

Habitat

The Snowcap favors humid lowland and montane forests, semi-open woodlands, and secondary forests. It thrives in forest openings and more open landscapes such as plantations, rather than in the depths of the forest.

Distribution

This species is found in the Caribbean slope of Central America, ranging from southern Honduras through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and possibly extending into western Panama. It also occurs locally on Costa Rica's Pacific slope.

Behaviour

Snowcaps exhibit a seasonal movement pattern in Costa Rica, descending to lower elevations post-breeding, with some individuals wandering higher than their breeding zones. They forage for nectar across various heights, from understory to canopy, and males are known to defend their feeding territories.

Song & calls

The male Snowcap's song is a soft, sputtering warble, while its calls include a high-pitched, dry "tsip" and buzzy notes during aggressive interactions.

Breeding

The breeding season for Snowcaps in Costa Rica spans from January to May. Males display at leks, singing and chasing rivals. Females construct a small cup nest on twigs or vines, laying two eggs per clutch. The incubation period and fledging time remain undocumented.

Similar Species

While the Snowcap's white crown is distinctive, it may be confused with other small hummingbirds in its range. Careful observation of its unique plumage and behavior is necessary for accurate identification.

Diet and Feeding

Snowcaps primarily feed on nectar from a variety of small flowers and also glean arthropods from foliage. Males occasionally hawk for small insects from a perch.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Snowcap as Least Concern. Although its population is believed to be decreasing, it faces no immediate threats. However, severe deforestation poses a risk to its habitat in many parts of its range.