Birds Active during the day

Copper-rumped Hummingbird

Saucerottia tobaci

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A bold and territorial jewel of the Caribbean, the Copper-rumped Hummingbird dazzles with its metallic green plumage and namesake bronze tail.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

9–11 cm (3.5–4.3 in) long; wingspan of approx. 12 cm (4.7 in); weighs 3.5–5 g (0.12–0.18 oz)

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Colors

Brilliant iridescent green head and breast, transitioning to a distinct coppery-bronze rump; dark blue-black or violet-black tail.

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Key Features

Distinctive shimmering copper-colored lower back and rump
Deep violet to blue-black notched tail
Luminous green throat and underparts
Small, straight bill with a slightly pale lower mandible

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily nectar from tubular flowers such as Ixora, Hibiscus, and Russelia; also consumes small spiders and flying insects for protein.

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Habitat Common in suburban gardens, parks, forest edges, and second-growth forests.

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Where Does the Copper-rumped Hummingbird Live?

This shimmering hummingbird is a native resident of the southern Caribbean and northern South America. Its most dense populations are found across the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is often the most frequently sighted hummingbird species. Its range extends into northern Venezuela, spanning the coastal cordillera and the Orinoco Delta, and it is occasionally reported on the island of Grenada.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

3 Countries

420K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

TT Trinidad and Tobago VE Venezuela Grenada

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 1,800 m

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Copper-rumped Hummingbird is a feisty and highly energetic resident of tropical landscapes. It is famously territorial, often claiming a specific flowering tree or bird feeder as its own and aggressively chasing away rivals, larger birds, and even large butterflies. Its flight is a marvel of agility, characterized by rapid wingbeats that produce a low humming sound and the ability to hover with precision while feeding.

In backyard settings, these birds are surprisingly bold. They are known to investigate humans wearing bright colors and will often return to the same favorite perches day after day. Their vocalizations consist of sharp, metallic "tsip" calls and a buzzy, repetitive song usually delivered from a high, exposed twig where they can keep a watchful eye on their territory.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of a Copper-rumped Hummingbird, focus your camera on a "sentinel perch." Because these birds are intensely territorial, they almost always have a favorite bare twig or wire near a food source where they sit to guard their nectar. Position your camera 3 to 5 feet from this perch at eye level (roughly 4 to 5 feet off the ground) to catch them in a still, regal pose rather than just a blur of motion.

Lighting is critical for bringing out the "copper" in their rump. Ensure your camera is oriented so the sun is behind the lens during peak morning hours. Direct sunlight hitting the bird's back will transform the feathers from a dull brown to a brilliant, glowing bronze. Avoid backlighting, which will turn the bird into a dark silhouette and hide its iridescent green throat.

Use a camera with a fast trigger speed and high-frame-rate video capabilities. These birds move faster than the human eye can track; a setting of 60fps or higher is recommended to capture the mechanics of their hovering. If using a feeder as bait, place the camera slightly to the side rather than directly in front of the ports to ensure the bird's profile and tail are visible, as they often fan their dark tails when banking away from a feeder.

Similar Species

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

White-chested Emerald

The White-chested Emerald has a bright white belly and breast, whereas the Copper-rumped is green-breasted.

Blue-tailed Emerald

Smaller with a more deeply forked blue-black tail and lacks the distinct coppery-bronze coloration on the rump.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Copper-rumped Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM to sunset). These are the peak times for nectar production in tropical flowers, and you will see them most frequently visiting gardens during these windows.

Planting bright, tubular flowers like Ixora, Hibiscus, or Pride of Barbados is the best way to attract them. They are also very fond of sugar-water feeders (using a 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio). Providing a nearby perching spot, such as a thin wire or a small dead branch, will encourage them to stay and guard the area.

Their diet consists mainly of high-energy floral nectar. However, they also spend a significant amount of time 'hawking' for small insects in mid-air or picking spiders out of webs to get the protein and minerals necessary for nesting and feather health.

Yes, they are highly adaptable and are among the most common backyard birds in Trinidad and Tobago. They thrive in suburban environments where gardens provide a steady supply of ornamental flowers year-round.

Look for the namesake copper-bronze color on the lower back and rump, which contrasts with the brilliant green head. Unlike the White-chested Emerald, the Copper-rumped has a dark green breast. Its tail is also much darker (violet-black) compared to the green-tailed species found in the same region.

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