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Andean Emerald

Uranomitra franciae

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A shimmering jewel of the high Andes, the Andean Emerald is easily identified by its snow-white underparts and glittering violet crown. A frequent visitor to mountain gardens, this bird brings a flash of iridescent color to any backyard camera.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

9–10 cm (3.5–3.9 in) in length; weighs 4.5–5.5 grams

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Colors

Metallic green upperparts with a bright white throat and belly. Males feature a glittering violet-blue crown, while females have a green crown.

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Key Features

Bright snow-white underparts
Glittering violet-blue crown on males
Straight bill with a reddish-pink base on the lower mandible
Medium-length, slightly notched bronzy-green tail

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-9 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primary diet consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants; also consumes small insects and spiders for protein.

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Habitat Forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, suburban gardens, and coffee plantations.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Andean Emerald Live?

South America is the native home of this glittering species, specifically along the humid slopes and valleys of the Andes Mountains. The Andean Emerald's core range extends through the montane regions of Colombia, western and eastern Ecuador, and northern Peru. Because they adapt so well to human-altered landscapes, they are frequently found in rural gardens and agricultural areas throughout these tropical and subtropical highlands.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

3 Countries

420K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

EC Ecuador

1,154

CO Colombia

962

PE Peru

96

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

600 m – 2,800 m

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

2,212 observations

1,892 research grade

3 countries

View on iNaturalist open_in_new

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Behavior

The Andean Emerald is a spirited and highly active hummingbird known for its territorial nature. In the wild, they are often observed as 'trap-liners,' meaning they follow a specific daily route between various flowering plants. However, in garden settings, they can become quite possessive over a single rich nectar source, such as a hummingbird feeder or a blooming shrub, aggressively chasing away other hummingbirds and even larger insects.

While they are solitary birds, they are remarkably well-adapted to human presence. They are frequently seen perching on low, exposed branches or wires between feeding bouts, where they sit upright to survey their territory. Their flight is rapid and direct, and they possess the classic hummingbird ability to hover with extreme precision while feeding or inspecting potential threats.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Andean Emerald on a backyard camera, placement is everything. Since these birds are 'low-to-middle' level foragers, set your AI camera at a height of 4 to 6 feet, ideally angled toward a cluster of red or tubular orange flowers like Salvia or Fuchsia. If using a feeder to attract them, ensure the camera is positioned about 12 to 18 inches away to capture the fine details of their iridescent plumage without losing focus or blowing out the highlights. Use a fast shutter speed setting if your camera allows, as their wingbeats are incredibly rapid.

Lighting is the secret to getting that perfect violet-blue crown shot. Position your camera so the sun is behind it (facing East in the afternoon or West in the morning); this 'front-lighting' allows the structural colors of the feathers to refract light back into the lens, revealing the brilliant emerald and violet hues that otherwise look dark in the shade. Avoid deep shade, as the camera's AI might struggle to distinguish the bird's white belly against a bright, blown-out background.

During the dry season, adding a misting feature or a shallow stone water basin near your camera can be a game-changer. Andean Emeralds love to bathe and will often return to the same spot daily for a quick dip. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or high-frame-rate video to catch the split-second action of them shaking water from their wings. For the best activity, ensure your camera is active during the 'golden hours' shortly after sunrise and before sunset when nectar production is often at its peak.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Andean Emerald.

White-bellied Hummingbird

Lacks the violet-blue crown and typically has more extensive white on the throat; often found at lower elevations.

Amazilia Hummingbird

Features a prominent rufous (reddish-brown) tail and belly, whereas the Andean Emerald is strictly white underneath.

Green-crowned Woodnymph

Larger with a deeply forked tail and more purple on the breast; lacks the clean white underparts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are strictly diurnal, with peak activity occurring in the early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:30–5:30 PM) when flowers produce the most nectar.

Plant native tubular flowers such as fuchsias, bromeliads, and salvias. They are also highly attracted to sugar-water feeders and appreciate clean water misters or shallow baths.

Their primary food source is floral nectar, but they also 'hawk' for small insects in mid-air and glean spiders from leaves to supplement their diet with protein.

Yes, they are quite common in suburban mountain towns and coffee-growing regions where there are plenty of flowering gardens and forest edges.

Look for the stark contrast between their emerald green sides and their pure white throat and belly, along with the reddish base of the lower bill.

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