Steely-vented Hummingbird

The Steely-vented Hummingbird, a member of the "emeralds" tribe within the Trochilinae subfamily, is a diminutive avian jewel, measuring a mere 8 to 11 centimeters in length and tipping the scales at approximately 4.4 to 5.0 grams. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the males are adorned with golden-green plumage on their upper parts and a striking blue-black on their uppertail coverts and tail, while their underparts shimmer with a dark, glittering golden-green, transitioning to greenish or steel blue undertail coverts. Females, on the other hand, display a modest white speckling on their throat feathers and have grayish-brown undertail coverts. The immature birds bear a resemblance to the females but are overall more subdued in coloration, with a partly dark gray throat, a grayish brown belly, and brownish edges to their dorsal feathers.

Identification Tips

To identify the Steely-vented Hummingbird, look for the black bill with a pinkish or reddish base on the mandible, which is common to both sexes. The adult males are particularly distinctive with their golden-green upperparts and blue-black tail. Females and juveniles can be differentiated by the presence of white on the throat and the duller overall coloration in the young.

Habitat

The Steely-vented Hummingbird favors semi-open to open landscapes, thriving in environments such as scrublands, savannas, forest edges, secondary forests, plantations, and gardens. These habitats are often on the arid side, and the species is typically found from sea level up to elevations of 1,500 meters, with some venturing as high as 3,000 meters.

Distribution

This species is predominantly found in Colombia and Venezuela. The northernmost subspecies, S. s. warscewiczi, inhabits northern Colombia and western Zulia state in Venezuela. The nominate subspecies, S. s. saucerottei, resides in western and north-central Colombia, while S. s. braccata is located in the Andes of western Venezuela.

Behaviour

The Steely-vented Hummingbird is essentially sedentary, though it may exhibit local movements in response to the flowering cycles of plants.

Song & Calls

While the song of the Steely-vented Hummingbird remains undescribed, its calls are characterized by a high, sharp "tsit" or a dry "chit," which can be delivered in sputtering series.

Breeding

Breeding can occur at any time of the year in Colombia, with little known about the species' breeding phenology. A nest has been observed as a simple cup structure placed on a tree limb.

Similar Species

The Steely-vented Hummingbird can be confused with other hummingbirds in its range, but its distinctive coloration and size can aid in proper identification.

Diet and Feeding

The specifics of the Steely-vented Hummingbird's diet are not well-documented, but it is known to forage for nectar in low bushes and trees and is believed to defend its feeding territories.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Steely-vented Hummingbird as Least Concern, with a population of at least 500,000 mature individuals that is believed to be decreasing. However, no immediate threats have been identified, and the species is considered fairly common to common in most of its range, with occurrences in protected areas.