Talamanca Hummingbird illustration
Birdsong field guide

Talamanca Hummingbird

Eugenes spectabilis

A large, striking hummingbird of the Talamancan highlands, known for its iridescent violet crown and glittering teal throat.

What it sounds like

A sharp, high-pitched, and metallic 'tsip' or 'chip' note.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Rec. Frank Lambert · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-NDXeno-canto

Field notes

  • Formerly classified as a subspecies of the Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) before being recognized as a distinct species in 2017.
  • It is one of the largest hummingbirds in Central America, measuring approximately 13 centimeters in length.
  • Males are highly territorial and aggressively defend nectar-rich floral patches from other hummingbird species.
  • The species is known to 'trap-line,' following a regular, repeated route to visit specific nectar-producing flowers.
  • It exhibits altitudinal migration, moving between elevations of 2,000 and 3,500 meters depending on seasonal flower availability.
Habitat
Humid montane oak forests, cloud forest edges, and high-altitude gardens.
Range
Highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Similar & commonly confused birds

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