by Susana García
Photos by Raul Vega

The first time I saw a hummingbird I felt something like butterflies in my stomach. 

For a European, these birds exclusive to the American continent are an incredible attraction. Costa Rica has 52 species of hummingbirds, including the smallest bird in the country, the sparrow gorginaranja (Selasphorus scintilla), which measures only 6.5 cms and weighs between two and three grams.

It can be observed in the mountains of Talamanca, around San Isidro del General between 900 and 2100 meters of altitude. 

Hummingbirds are true gardeners, because when feeding on nectar of flowers. They facilitate plant reproduction through pollination. Therefore, the use of artificial water feeders with sugar is not recommended to attract them, as they fail to fulfill this important mission.

Many people do not know that hummingbirds also eat small insects.

So, avoiding the use of pesticides will enjoy the flutter of these magical little birds in their surroundings. The coloring of the feathers of hummingbirds varies greatly with light. When they move they appear to have metallic highlights and change color. Actually, what happens is that their feathers have structural micro molecules that reflect and scatter light, creating that wonderful iridescent effect. 

To observe hummingbirds in your garden we recommend planting flowering plants that attract them, such as the foxtail (Stachytarpheta cayennensis) or different types of heliconias and poppies.

Also trees such as savannah oak and guavas, are very attractive to hummingbirds during their flowering season. 

These tiny jewels of our forests and gardens are able to beat the wings at incredible speed, up to 80 times per second, being the only birds capable of flying backward. Their speed causes them to suffer from accidental shocks against the windows.

This can easily be avoided by hanging thin strings on the outside of them, separated from each other a maximum of 10 cms.

INFO: tour de colibríes en Pérez Zeledón - info@costaricabirdingbeds.com