Speckled Hummingbird

Appearance

The speckled hummingbird is a monomorphic species, making females and males indistinguishable. Adults measure approximately 8 cm, or 3 inches, in length. The upper plumage is a glossy green/bronze. The underside is pale, with green and bronze specks. It has a black cheek patch below its eye with a white stripe above.

Naming

While the speckled hummingbird is the only species in its genus, evidence suggests that populations on either side of the Andes mountains are genetically distinct.

Behavior

The speckled hummingbird is a solitary species in all behaviors. They neither live nor migrate in flocks and there is no pair bond for this species.

Reproduction

Males do not participate in the any part of nest building or brooding of the young, and disengage with female partners after copulation. Though, both males and females may be promiscuous, having multiple partners.

Female speckled hummingbirds incubate and feed nestlings. The incubation period lasts approximately 17–20 days. The species broods for shorter durations than most hummingbirds during incubation. Speckled hummingbirds often travel several kilometers to avoid competition, making visits to the nest less frequent. After the young hatch, the adult continues brooding hatchlings for 7–8 days. After brooding and until the young have fledged, the adult will no longer enter the nest and instead perches nearby, potentially watching for predators. This behavior is curious, as perching outside a nest may alert predators of its location.

Food

The species does not gather with others to feed, even at flowering trees. Speckled hummingbirds feed on the nectar of flowers, often near the ground, either from short-tubed flowers or holes at the base of long-tubed flowers. Like other hummingbird species, it is likely that the speckled hummingbird will also feed on insects, for additional nutrients. The species may also collect small insects that are caught on or in the nest.