Birds Active during the day

Steely-vented Hummingbird

Saucerottia saucerottei

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A feisty emerald of the Andes and beyond, the Steely-vented Hummingbird brings a flash of brilliant green and a bold personality to every garden it visits.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

8.9–11 cm (3.5–4.3 in) long; wingspan of approximately 12 cm (4.7 in); weight 3.8–4.5 g (0.13–0.16 oz)

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Colors

Brilliant emerald-green head and body; deep blue-black or steel-blue tail; dull grey or bronzy-blue undertail coverts (the 'vent')

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Key Features

Glittering iridescent green plumage on the throat and breast
Deep blue-black tail with a slight notch
Distinctive greyish-blue undertail coverts
Straight, medium-length black bill

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily floral nectar from tubular flowers; also consumes small insects and spiders for essential protein.

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Habitat Forest edges, open woodlands, coffee plantations, and suburban gardens.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Steely-vented Hummingbird Live?

The Steely-vented Hummingbird is a quintessential South American gem, primarily inhabiting the northern reaches of the continent. Its native range is concentrated within the diverse landscapes of Colombia and Venezuela, where it is found from the coastal lowlands up into the Andean foothills. As a resident species, it does not migrate, making it a reliable year-round sight for birdwatchers in these regions.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

2 Countries

350K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

CO Colombia VE Venezuela

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,000 m

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Steely-vented Hummingbird is a high-energy, pugnacious species known for its bold personality. It is highly territorial and will aggressively defend a rich nectar source, such as a flowering tree or a backyard feeder, against other hummingbirds and even larger bird species. These birds are 'trap-liners,' meaning they often follow a set route through the landscape, visiting the same flowers at regular intervals throughout the day.

Despite their aggressive nature toward competitors, they are relatively tolerant of human presence and can become quite accustomed to backyard activity. They spend much of their time perched on high, exposed twigs between feeding bouts, where they scan for intruders or passing insects. Their social structure is largely solitary, coming together only briefly for mating, after which the female handles all nesting and chick-rearing duties.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To successfully capture the Steely-vented Hummingbird on your backyard camera, focus on 'sentinel' perches. These birds love to sit on thin, bare branches near their favorite flowers to keep watch. Position your camera about 3 to 4 feet away from a cluster of nectar-rich plants like Salvia or Firebush, and try to angle it so the morning sun hits the bird's chest, which will ignite that stunning green iridescence on film.

Because hummingbirds have an incredibly fast wingbeat, motion-blur is common. If your AI camera allows for shutter speed adjustments, try to set it to at least 1/2000th of a second for crisp action shots. If you are using a feeder to attract them, place the camera at the same height as the feeding ports. This species is often the 'boss' of the feeder, so you are likely to capture dramatic footage of them chasing away rivals.

Seasonal considerations are minimal since they are residents, but they are most active during the rainy season when floral blooms are at their peak. Ensure your camera is set to a high-sensitivity trigger mode, as these birds move in and out of the frame in the blink of an eye. Using a camera with a pre-record or 'buffer' feature is a game-changer, as it captures the seconds of flight before the motion sensor is even triggered.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Steely-vented Hummingbird.

Copper-rumped Hummingbird

Displays a bright coppery-orange rump and tail, which contrasts with the dark steel-blue tail of the Steely-vented.

Blue-tailed Hummingbird

Geographically separated (found in Central America); it has a more deeply forked tail and lacks the specific greyish-blue vent color.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the early morning hours and late afternoon, often referred to as the 'nectar rush' periods when flowers are most productive.

Planting native red or orange tubular flowers is the most effective method. They are also frequent visitors to sugar-water feeders (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar).

Their diet is a mix of high-energy nectar and small invertebrates like gnats and spiders, which provide the protein needed for muscle maintenance.

Yes, they are highly adaptable and are one of the most common hummingbirds found in gardens and parks within their range in Colombia and Venezuela.

The easiest way is to look at the tail and lower back; the Steely-vented has a blue-black tail and green rump, whereas the Copper-rumped has a distinct coppery-brown tail and lower back.

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