Birds Active during the day

White-bellied Hummingbird

Elliotomyia chionogaster

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

With its snowy-white underside and shimmering golden-green coat, the White-bellied Hummingbird is a sparkling gem of the South American highlands. This bold, spirited visitor is a favorite for backyard observers, known for its energetic personality and frequent garden visits.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

9-12 cm (3.5-4.7 in) in length; wingspan approx 13 cm (5.1 in); weight 4.5-6.5g (0.16-0.23 oz)

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Colors

Metallic golden-green or bronze-green upperparts; brilliant, pure white underparts from chin to vent; tail is coppery-bronze with pale tips on outer feathers

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Key Features

Extensive pure white throat and belly
Metallic golden-green upperparts
Medium, straight black bill
Coppery-bronze tail with pale greyish tips

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily nectar from tubular flowers (especially bromeliads, salvias, and cacti); supplements diet with small insects and spiders caught mid-air.

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Habitat Forest edges, scrubland, eucalyptus plantations, and suburban gardens.

public Geographic range

Where Does the White-bellied Hummingbird Live?

Native to the heart of South America, the White-bellied Hummingbird occupies a broad range stretching from the eastern slopes of the Andes to the interior highlands. Its core population resides in Bolivia and Peru, extending southward into northern Argentina and eastward into parts of western Brazil. This adaptable bird is a common sight in both wild montane valleys and bustling suburban neighborhoods across its tropical and subtropical range.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

4 Countries

1.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

PE Peru

Marginal

BO Bolivia

Marginal

AR Argentina

Marginal

BR Brazil

Marginal

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The White-bellied Hummingbird is an exceptionally bold and energetic presence in South American landscapes. Unlike many of its forest-dwelling relatives, this species has adapted remarkably well to human environments, frequently claiming dominance over garden flower patches. They are highly territorial and will aggressively chase away other hummingbirds—even those larger than themselves—to protect a preferred nectar source.

These hummingbirds exhibit a mix of 'traplining' (visiting flowers in a regular circuit) and territorial defense. When not feeding, they are often seen perched on high, exposed twigs or telephone wires, scanning their surroundings for intruders or passing insects. Their flight is characterized by precise, darting movements and an ability to hover with incredible stability while feeding on delicate blooms.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture high-quality images of the White-bellied Hummingbird, place your camera near vibrant, nectar-rich flowers such as Salvia, Fuchsia, or native bromeliads. These birds are creatures of habit and often use the same 'sentinel perches' to guard their territory. Look for a bare, thin twig about 4 to 6 feet off the ground near a food source and aim your camera there. For the best lighting, position the camera so the sun is behind you; this illuminates the metallic green of their feathers and prevents the bird's white belly from appearing as a washed-out silhouette.

Because hummingbirds move with incredible speed, your camera settings are critical. Use a high shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) or a high-frame-rate video setting (60fps or 120fps) to freeze the wing motion. If you are using an AI-powered trail camera, set the trigger sensitivity to high, as these birds are small and move quickly through the frame. To ensure the camera focuses on the bird rather than the background foliage, try to have a clear, unobstructed 'alley' between the lens and the flower or perch.

Backyard feeders are the most effective way to bring this species within camera range. Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white sugar (never honey or dye). Position the camera about 18 to 24 inches from the feeder, ideally at the same height as the feeding ports. Since the White-bellied Hummingbird is active from the first light of dawn, ensure your camera is positioned to handle the high-contrast light of early morning. If you notice the white feathers 'blowing out' in the bright tropical sun, try to place the feeder in a spot that receives bright but dappled shade.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with White-bellied Hummingbird.

Green-and-white Hummingbird

Has more extensive green spotting on the flanks, whereas the White-bellied has a pure, clean white underside.

White-chested Emerald

Generally found in lower, more coastal regions and lacks the distinct coppery-bronze tail coloration of the White-bellied.

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Frequently Asked Questions

White-bellied Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning (shortly after sunrise) and late afternoon. These are their primary feeding windows when they need to replenish energy levels after the night or fuel up for the coming evening.

Planting native tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and pink is the best method. They are also very attracted to sugar-water feeders and appreciate a nearby water mister for bathing and feather maintenance.

Their diet is a mix of high-energy nectar and protein-rich insects. They visit dozens of flower species daily and hunt for tiny gnats, flies, and spiders by 'hawking' them out of the air or picking them off leaves.

Yes, they are highly adaptable and are one of the most common hummingbird species found in Andean parks, suburban gardens, and even urban green spaces throughout Bolivia, Peru, and Northern Argentina.

The White-bellied Hummingbird has a cleaner, more solid white chest and belly. In contrast, the Green-and-white Hummingbird typically shows more green spotting or mottling along its flanks and sides.

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