Hummingbirds are found exclusively in the Americas, with the majority of species located in tropical regions. Of the over 300 described hummingbird species, one country stands out for having the highest diversity – Ecuador.
Ecuador’s Amazing Hummingbird Diversity
With 52 documented species of hummingbirds, Ecuador has the distinction of being the country with the largest number of hummingbird species in the world. This South American country located on the equator is considered a birdwatcher’s paradise due to its incredible avian diversity and endemism.
Several factors contribute to Ecuador’s exceptional hummingbird diversity:
- Location – Ecuador is situated in northwestern South America, which is part of the hummingbird-rich tropics.
- Habitat diversity – Ecuador has a wide range of habitats including the Amazon rainforest, Andean cloud forests, dry forests, and coastal regions. Different hummingbird species are adapted to these varied environments.
- Topography – Ecuador has very diverse terrain encompassing coastal lowlands, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon basin. This topographical heterogeneity supports many hummingbird niches.
- Plant diversity – There is a huge array of flowering plants in Ecuador which provide nectar resources for hummingbirds.
- Endemism – Ecuador has high rates of endemism across many plant and animal groups, including at least 15 endemic hummingbird species found nowhere else.
As a megadiverse country located in the neotropics, Ecuador is blessed with ecological and geographical features that have given rise to such remarkable hummingbird speciation and diversity.
Major Habitats and Hummingbird Species
There are four major types of habitat in Ecuador that host diverse hummingbird assemblages:
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon basin covers over 50% of Ecuador and holds the highest number of hummingbird species in the country at 44 confirmed species. Widespread Amazonian species found in Ecuador include the White-necked Jacobin, Black-eared Fairy, and Many-spotted Hummingbird. Localized endemics include the Ecuadorian Piedtail and Napo Sabrewing.
Andean Cloud Forest
These mountain forests located along the slopes of the Andes are rich in endemics, including rare hummingbirds like the Violet-throated Metaltail, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and Chestnut-breasted Coronet. Other Andean hummingbirds found here are the Buff-tailed Coronet, Booted Racket-tail, and Tyrian Metaltail.
Deciduous Dry Forest
In the dry forests of southwest Ecuador, some specialty hummingbirds are the Purple-chested Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Hillstar, and West Peruvian Sheartail. Other widespread dry forest species include the Oasis Hummingbird, Amazilia Hummingbird, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.
Coastal Scrub and Thickets
The tropical coast of Ecuador hosts many hummingbirds adapted to arid habitats, like the Purple-collared Woodstar, Peruvian Sheartail, and Short-tailed Woodstar. Mangroves are occupied by the occasional Rufous-necked Wood-Rail and Gray-breasted Sabrewing.
Endemics and Near Endemics
As mentioned earlier, Ecuador has a high degree of hummingbird endemism with at least 15 species found nowhere else on Earth. Here are some of the most range-restricted hummingbirds in the country:
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Ecuadorian Piedtail | Northwest Ecuador |
| Napo Sabrewing | Napo region |
| Violet-throated Metaltail | Southwest Ecuador and northwest Peru |
| Violet-bellied Hummingbird | Chocó region of northwest Ecuador and Colombia |
There are also another 7 near endemic hummingbirds that just barely range into northern Peru like the Bronzy Inca and Booted Racket-tail.
Endangered Species
While most Ecuadorian hummingbirds remain fairly common, there are a few threatened and Near Threatened species:
- Ecuadorian Hillstar – Endangered
- Esmeraldas Woodstar – Vulnerable
- Purple-bibbed Whitetip – Near Threatened
These species are very localized and imperiled by habitat loss. Several other hummingbirds like the Violet-throated Metaltail and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill may warrant higher threat categories in the future as more data becomes available.
Hummingbird Hotspots in Ecuador
Here are some top sites for seeing a high diversity of hummingbirds in Ecuador:
Yasuní National Park
This protected Amazonian rainforest hosts a world record 150 species of hummingbirds. Marvel at a dozen or more species buzzing around jungle feeding stations.
Mindo Cloudforest Foundation Reserve
Over 15 colorful hummingbird species regularly visit the feeders at this cloud forest reserve, including endemics like the Violet-tailed Sylph and Velvet-purple Coronet.
San Isidro Lodge
Positioned near the Andean foothills, San Isidro offers great access to subtropical and temperate hummingbirds like the Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant.
Cajas National Park
High elevation grasslands and lakes in this park are home to many Andean specialties, including the Viridian Metaltail, Great Sapphirewing, and the endangered Violet-throated Metaltail.
Conclusion
With at least 52 species, Ecuador stands out as the country with the richest hummingbird diversity in the world. Habitat heterogeneity, tropical location, and high endemism all contribute to Ecuador’s unparalleled variety of hummingbirds.
From Amazonian rarities to Andean endemics, colorful hummingbirds can be found across Ecuador’s national parks and reserves. This South American nation is a must-visit destination for birders seeking to observe multitudes of hummingbird species in one location.
