Snowy-bellied
Common name: Snowy-bellied Hummingbird
Scientific name: Saucerottia edward
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The Snowy-bellied hummingbird is 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in) long. The males weigh 5 to 5.4 g (0.18 to 0.19 oz) and the females 4.3 to 5.2 g (0.15 to 0.18 oz).
The Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, known for its solitary nature, is a delightful avian species found in regions with varying habitats. These tiny creatures are often found singing from perches nestled within trees or shrubs, choosing to distance themselves from the bustling flower patches. Their presence in a particular area is inextricably linked to the seasonal changes in abundance, thought to align with the availability of blooming flowers.
The diverse populations of Snowy-bellied Hummingbirds exhibit a notable disparity in their habitat preferences. In the verdant landscapes of Costa Rica and western Panama, these charming birds display a penchant for partially open environments, encompassing brushy savannas, open woodlands, second growth, forest edges, clearings, roadsides, coffee plantations, and even gardens. Conversely, island populations of these hummingbirds tend to gravitate towards old fields, mangrove swamps, and locales near streams.
This adaptability and flexibility in habitat selection highlight the Snowy-bellied Hummingbird's remarkable ability to thrive in a range of environments, attesting to their resilience as a species. This endearing avian's distinct habitat preferences reflect the intricate interplay between ecological factors and the unique behaviors exhibited by different populations of these charming creatures.
4 subspecies:
S. e. niveoventer
Distribution SW Costa Rica to W and C Panama, including Coiba I.S. e. edward
Distribution Panama from Canal Zone E to W Darién; single record (presumed vagrant) in Chocó (NW Colombia)S. e. margaritarum
Distribution N Gulf of Panama (Pearl Is, and islands of Taboga, Taboguilla and Urabá) and E Panama (SW Darién).
