Hummingbird
In Costa Rica, the hummingbird family is extraordinarily diverse, with over 50 species fluttering through the country’s rich landscapes. One of the most fascinating hummingbirds is the volcano hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula), known for its dazzling iridescent green and bronze plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. These tiny birds, some of the smallest in the world, are remarkable for their incredible agility and rapid wing beats, allowing them to hover in mid-air with ease. They primarily feed on nectar from a variety of colorful flowers, using their long, specialized bills to extract nectar and their brush-tipped tongues to lap it up with remarkable efficiency. The volcano hummingbird is particularly associated with high-altitude habitats, often found flitting around the cloud forests and volcanic slopes of central and western Costa Rica. Their presence adds a touch of magic to these misty environments, where they play a crucial role in pollination, helping to sustain the biodiversity of these delicate ecosystems. Watching a hummingbird in flight is truly a mesmerizing experience, showcasing the sheer wonder of nature’s design.
