The most common hummingbird of northeastern Argentina. The male is bright metallic emerald-green over nearly the whole body with golden reflections on the breast. The tail is dark blue and slightly forked. The female has a green back and a whitish belly. The male's bill is straight and red with a black tip, of medium length. It measures barely 7 to 9 cm and weighs 3 to 4 grams, being one of the smallest birds of Iberá. The wings beat between 50 and 80 times per second, producing the characteristic hum.
Behaviour
It flies hovering, forward, backward and sideways with equal skill. It feeds on the nectar of flowers, which it obtains by inserting its straight bill and tube-shaped tongue. It is a key pollinator of many of the Iberá's flowers. It also catches small insects for protein. Very territorial: it defends its favorite flowers.
How and when to see it
Year-round. More visible in spring and summer when the flowers are more abundant. It is heard by the hum of its wings.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where glittering-bellied emerald has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where glittering-bellied emerald lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Night Tour
The only carnivorous-plant garden in Argentina and a pioneer in Latin America. A guided…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameGlittering-bellied Emerald
- Scientific nameChlorostilbon lucidus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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