Birds diurnal

Copper-rumped Hummingbird

Saucerottia tobaci

A glittering jewel of the Caribbean, the Copper-rumped Hummingbird is a bold and spirited visitor that brings vibrant iridescent color to any backyard. With its emerald-green breast and distinctive metallic rump, it is a favorite for garden enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 8.6–11.4 cm (3.4–4.5 in); Weight: 3.5–5 g (0.12–0.18 oz)

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Colors

Brilliant iridescent emerald green on the head and breast, transitioning to a distinct coppery-bronze on the lower back and rump. Tail is dark purple-black.

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Key Features

Glittering golden-green throat and breast
Deep copper or bronze-colored rump and vent
Dark, slightly forked purple-black tail
Straight black bill with a slightly pinkish base on the lower mandible

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

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Season Year-round, with increased activity during the local rainy season when flowers are in full bloom.

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Diet Primarily nectar from tubular flowers like hibiscus, ixora, and jasmine; also consumes small spiders and tiny flying insects for protein.

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Habitat Open country, gardens, forest edges, and cultivated areas; very common in suburban backyards.

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Behavior

The Copper-rumped Hummingbird is a feisty and highly territorial species. It is famous among birdwatchers for its aggressive defense of nectar sources, often engaging in high-speed aerial chases to drive away competitors, including larger bird species and even large butterflies. When not feeding, it can often be seen perched on a high, exposed twig, surveying its kingdom and emitting a series of sharp, metallic chipping sounds to signal its presence.

These hummingbirds are remarkably adapted to human environments and are frequent visitors to suburban gardens. They exhibit a curious nature, sometimes hovering just inches away from people to investigate bright colors. Their flight is characterized by rapid, darting movements and the iconic hovering stance used while feeding on nectar or 'hawking' for small insects in mid-air.

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Camera Tips

To get the best results with your wildlife camera, placement is everything. Position your camera at eye level with a nectar feeder or a cluster of favored flowers like Porterweed (Stachytarpheta). Aim for a distance of 3 to 5 feet; any closer may result in a blurry image if your camera has a fixed focus, and any further will lose the intricate detail of their iridescent feathers. A 45-degree angle relative to the sun is ideal, as this 'side-lighting' helps capture the metallic flash of the emerald throat and the namesake copper rump without washing out the bird in direct glare.

Because Copper-rumped Hummingbirds are incredibly fast, you should configure your camera's trigger speed to the fastest possible setting. If your camera supports 'Burst Mode,' enable it to capture a sequence of 3-5 photos per trigger; this increases your chances of getting a shot with the wings fully extended or the bird perfectly hovering. If you are recording video, a high frame rate (60 fps or higher) is essential if you want to play back the footage in slow motion to see the mechanics of their wing beats.

To attract them specifically to your camera's field of view, use a red-colored hummingbird feeder filled with a simple 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio. Avoid using red dye in the nectar, as the red plastic of the feeder is enough of a lure. If you prefer a natural look, place your camera near a 'perching branch'—a thin, bare twig about 2 to 4 feet away from a food source. These birds often return to the same twig to rest between feeds, providing the perfect opportunity for a still, clear portrait. Early morning light is the 'golden hour' for this species, as the low angle of the sun brings out the deep bronze tones of their tail and rump.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Copper-rumped Hummingbird.

Blue-tailed Emerald

Smaller with a more deeply forked, distinctly blue-black tail and lacks the bright copper rump coloration.

White-chested Emerald

Easily distinguished by its bright white underparts, whereas the Copper-rumped is solid green below.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the early morning hours, shortly after sunrise, and again in the late afternoon before dusk. These are the peak times for feeding to replenish energy levels.

Plant tubular, brightly colored flowers like Ixora, Hibiscus, or Firebush. Providing a clean nectar feeder with a sugar-water solution (4 parts water, 1 part white sugar) is also highly effective.

Their diet consists mainly of floral nectar for energy, but they also hunt small insects and spiders to get necessary protein and minerals, especially during the nesting season.

Yes, they are one of the most common hummingbirds in their range (Trinidad, Tobago, and Venezuela) and have adapted exceptionally well to living in residential gardens and urban parks.

Look at the rump and tail. The Copper-rumped has a distinct coppery-bronze lower back and a dark purple-black tail, whereas the Blue-tailed Emerald has a darker green rump and a deeply forked, blue-black tail.

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