Birds Active during the day

Black Flowerpiercer

Diglossa humeralis

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A sleek, obsidian-colored specialist of the high Andes, the Black Flowerpiercer is nature’s clever nectar thief. Distinguished by its unique hooked bill, this small bird is a fascinating and bold addition to any high-altitude backyard.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length of 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 in); weight approximately 12-15 grams (0.4-0.5 oz)

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Colors

Uniformly velvety black plumage; small bluish-grey or slate-grey shoulder patches (less prominent in some subspecies); dark iris and black bill.

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Key Features

Upturned bill with a sharp hooked tip
Solid black plumage with subtle grey shoulder patches
Small, energetic build
Frequently seen 'robbing' nectar from the base of flowers

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7-10 AM, 3-5 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Specialist nectar thief that pierces the base of tubular flowers; also consumes small insects, spiders, and occasionally small berries.

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Habitat Suburban gardens, montane forest edges, high-altitude scrub, and paramo transitions.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Black Flowerpiercer Live?

Native to the South American continent, the Black Flowerpiercer is a specialist of the Andean mountain chain. Its core range extends through the highlands of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. These birds are primarily found in moist montane environments and high-elevation gardens, often thriving in urban centers like Bogotá and Quito due to their adaptability to ornamental flowers.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

4 Countries

1.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

CO Colombia EC Ecuador PE Peru VE Venezuela

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

2,000 m – 4,000 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Black Flowerpiercer is a highly active and territorial inhabitant of high-altitude gardens and forest edges. Unlike hummingbirds that reach deep into the flower’s tube, the flowerpiercer is a 'nectar robber.' Using its uniquely adapted hooked upper mandible to steady the flower, it uses its sharp lower mandible to pierce the base of the corolla, extracting nectar without providing any pollination services to the plant.

These birds are generally solitary and can be surprisingly aggressive, often chasing away other nectar feeders from their favorite feeding patches. In backyard settings, they are bold and adaptable, frequently visiting hummingbird feeders or flowering hedges even in close proximity to human activity.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Black Flowerpiercer on camera, position your device near tubular flowers like Fuchsia, Salvia, or Abutilon. Since these birds are nectar robbers, they don't hover like hummingbirds; they perch on the stem and lean down to pierce the bloom. Aim your camera at a cluster of flowers where a sturdy branch or stem provides a convenient perch for the bird to land on.

If you use a hummingbird feeder, place your camera at eye level with the feeder ports. Flowerpiercers are notorious for drinking from the side of the port or even the gaps in the feeder lid. A high-speed shutter or 'burst mode' is essential, as these birds move with quick, jerky motions. Because they are solid black, avoid placing the camera in direct, harsh midday sun, which can wash out their subtle grey shoulder patches; early morning or slightly overcast light provides the best contrast for their plumage.

Since they are resident birds, consistency is key. Keep your feeders clean and your garden watered to ensure a steady supply of blooms. If your camera has a 'motion zones' feature, focus the trigger area specifically on the flowers or the feeder perches to avoid false triggers from wind-blown leaves.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black Flowerpiercer.

Glossy Flowerpiercer

Smaller and much more iridescent or 'shiny' blue-black compared to the matte black of the Black Flowerpiercer.

Masked Flowerpiercer

Bright blue body with a distinct black 'mask' over the eyes, unlike the solid black plumage of the Black Flowerpiercer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active in the early morning shortly after sunrise and again in the late afternoon. This is when nectar production in flowers is often at its peak and the birds need to refuel.

Plant native Andean tubular flowers like Fuchsias and Salvias. They are also easily attracted to standard hummingbird feeders filled with a 4:1 water-to-sugar solution.

Their diet is primarily nectar, but they are 'robbers' who pierce the base of flowers. They also supplement their diet with small insects and spiders found within the foliage.

Yes, provided you are at a high enough elevation (above 2,000m). They are very common in Andean cities and frequent suburban parks and residential gardens.

The Black Flowerpiercer is almost entirely matte black with a small grey shoulder patch, whereas the Glossy Flowerpiercer has a much shinier, blue-black sheen and typically lacks the distinct grey shoulder.

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