Yes, South America is home to over 320 species of hummingbirds, more than any other continent in the world. Hummingbirds are found everywhere in South America, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest to the grasslands and urban areas. The diversity and abundance of hummingbirds in South America make it a top destination for birdwatchers hoping to see these tiny, colorful birds.
The Origins of Hummingbirds in South America
Hummingbirds evolved around 22 million years ago in South America. At the time, South America was an isolated continent, allowing hummingbirds to flourish and diversify without competition from other birds. As a result, the majority of the world’s hummingbird species are found only in South America.
Three key factors contribute to the high diversity of hummingbirds in South America:
- Isolation – Hummingbirds had millions of years to evolve independently in South America before the formation of the Isthmus of Panama connected North and South America around 3 million years ago.
- Habitat diversity – South America has a wide range of ecosystems including rainforests, cloud forests, deserts, grasslands, and high mountain environments, providing many ecological niches for different hummingbird species.
- Flower diversity – There are over 25,000 species of flowering plants in South America, providing abundant nectar sources to fuel hummingbirds’ high metabolisms.
As a result of these factors, South America became the center of hummingbird diversity and evolution. Today over 140 hummingbird species are found nowhere else in the world except South America.
Countries with the Most Hummingbird Species
The following table shows the South American countries with the highest diversity of hummingbird species:
| Country | Number of Species |
|---|---|
| Colombia | 164 |
| Ecuador | 132 |
| Peru | 121 |
| Brazil | 105 |
| Bolivia | 96 |
As the table shows, Colombia has the most hummingbird species at 164, followed by Ecuador with 132 species and Peru with 121 species. These three Andean countries have very high hummingbird diversity due to the presence of cloud forests, tropical forests, and paramo grasslands providing many habitat types for hummingbirds.
Types of Hummingbirds in South America
South America is home to members of the two main hummingbird groups or subfamilies: the typical hummingbirds (subfamily Trochilinae) and the hermits (subfamily Phaethornithinae).
Some examples of typical hummingbird groups found in South America include:
- Brilliants – Large, brightly colored hummingbirds like the Violet-fronted Brilliant of the Andes.
- Coquettes – Tiny and compact hummingbirds like the Brazilian Ruby and Sapphire-spangled Emerald.
- Patagona – Includes the Giant Hummingbird, the largest species in the world.
- Topazes – Shining or glittering hummingbirds like the Fiery Topaz.
The hermits found in South America include:
- Planalto Hermit – Found in Brazil’s interior and Atlantic Forest.
- Great-billed Hermit – The largest hermit species found across northern South America.
- Straight-billed Hermit – Named for its long, straight bill. Widespread in the Amazon.
Famous Hummingbird Species
Here are some of the most famous and spectacular hummingbird species found in South America:
Marvelous Spatuletail
This endangered Peruvian endemic has the most elaborate tail feathers that end in blue rackets extending far beyond its body. It’s found only in a small area of northern Peru.
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Native to Colombia and Ecuador, this species has an exceptionally long bill (up to 4 inches) adapted for feeding on certain deep-tubed flowers.
Giant Hummingbird
As its name suggests, this is the largest hummingbird species. Found in Chile and Argentina, it’s nearly 8.5 inches long and weighs up to 0.8 oz.
Andean Emerald
One of the few hummingbird species adapted to high elevations in the Andes Mountains, found at altitudes up to 14,700 feet.
Amethyst Woodstar
This tiny purple and green hummingbird, only 2.5 inches long, is a specialist pollinator for certain flowers in Ecuador’s cloud forests.
Habitats of South American Hummingbirds
South America’s incredible habitat diversity supports hummingbirds in many different ecosystems, including:
- Tropical rainforests – Found in the Amazon basin and along the Andes, providing fruit and nectar sources.
- Cloud forests – Cool, extremely humid mountain forests with an abundance of epiphyte flowers.
- Dry forests and scrublands – Drier habitats in regions like Caatinga in Brazil and the Chaco in Bolivia/Paraguay.
- High Andean mountains – Some species inhabit alpine areas and paramo grasslands over 10,000 feet in elevation.
- Coastal regions – Mangroves, beaches, and dry forests along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
- Urban areas – Species like the Black-throated Mango thrive in cities in parks and gardens.
This habitat diversity allows different hummingbird species to specialize in certain environments across the continent.
Threats to Hummingbirds in South America
Though hummingbirds remain widespread and abundant in much of South America, some key threats face certain species:
- Habitat loss – Deforestation, agriculture, and development destroy forest and cloud forest habitats needed by some hummingbirds.
- Climate change – Warming temperatures may shift some hummingbird ranges, potentially impacting high Andean species.
- Wildfires – Increased fires in habitats like the Brazilian Cerrado eliminate hummingbird food sources.
- Illegal trafficking – Rare hummingbirds are at risk for capture for the illegal pet trade.
Protecting core habitats from alteration and preserving migration routes will be key to conserving threatened hummingbird populations in the future.
Conclusion
South America is undoubtedly the world capital of hummingbird diversity, ecology and evolution. The continent is home to over 320 hummingbird species adapted to habitats from the peaks of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon. Colombia leads the continent with an astonishing 164 species within its borders. Though changes like habitat loss pose some risks, most South American hummingbirds remain abundant across their wide distributions. This diversity should be sustained through habitat protections to allow these smallest of birds, and their vital pollination services, to thrive into the future.
