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Volcano Hummingbird

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description Volcano Hummingbird Overview

The Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula) is a small hummingbird species endemic to the high-altitude volcanic mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. It inhabits páramo grasslands, elfin forest, and scrub near or above the treeline, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 meters. Males exhibit geographically variable gorget coloration, with populations on different volcanic peaks displaying distinct iridescent throat colors. This variation across isolated mountaintop populations has made the species of interest to biologists studying local adaptation and potential incipient speciation.

help Volcano Hummingbird FAQ

Where is the Volcano Hummingbird found?

Selasphorus flammula is endemic to high mountains in Costa Rica and western Panama. The Panamanian subspecies occurs around the Cordillera de Talamanca and Volcán Barú.

At what elevation does the Volcano Hummingbird live?

It is mainly found above 2,000 meters in high-elevation habitats, although it can occur locally down to about 1,800 meters. Typical environments include páramo, elfin forest, and scrub near the treeline.

How is the Volcano Hummingbird different from the Scintillant Hummingbird?

Both are small Selasphorus hummingbirds found in Costa Rica and Panama, but the Volcano Hummingbird generally occupies higher elevations. The Scintillant Hummingbird tends to replace it at lower elevations in overlapping regions.

What habitats should birders search for the Volcano Hummingbird?

Look in open páramo grassland, elfin forest, and high mountain scrub rather than lowland rainforest. Its distribution is tied to volcanic and alpine regions of Costa Rica and western Panama.

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