One of the joys of birding the Americas is seeing the wide range of HUMMINGBIRDS (family TROCHILIDAE) that occupy the numerous habitats of the area. There are between around 338 to 347 species of hummer depending on which taxonomic system is used,
and the family only exists in the new world, although recent fossil finds in Europe have suggested that at one time, an ancestor may have been present.
Hummingbird diversity is greatest in the Andes of South America, and many species migrate into North America to breed, some as far north as Alaska.
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| WHITE-TAILED STARFRONTLET |
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| SANTA MARTA WOODSTAR |
These two species, the SANTA MARTA WOODSTAR and the WHITE-TAILED STARFRONTLET are representatives of genera that range widely throughout the neotropics; these two, however, are endemic to the Santa Marta mountains, and highly desirable sightings. They were common at the feeders at El Dorado.
The most exciting find at El Dorado was a beautiful male BLACK-BACKED THORNBILL, an endangered endemic that is only rarely seen at all, let alone at the feeders! This one provided many birders with great looks and photo-ops for at least two days.
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| BLACK-BACKED THORNBILL |
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| BLACK-BACKED THORNBILL |
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| LAZULINE SABREWING |
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| VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH |
Although not endemics, there were other beautiful hummers regular at the feeders, sch as LAZULINE SABREWING, VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH, and GREEN VIOLET-EAR.
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| GREEN VIOLET-EAR |
These beauties were present daily and gave quite a show. All in all, we had 9 hummers during our stay at El Dorado, including MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST, TYRIAN METALTAIL, BROWN and SPARKLING VIOLET-EARS, and the rare endemic BLOSSOMCROWN.
Next, the last day at El Dorado!!
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