Hummingbirds are a truly amazing species that captivates the hearts of bird lovers. They can be seen in abundance on social media, thanks to the many eye-catching images of these remarkable creatures. In fact, some of these birds are so stunningly beautiful that people often question whether they are real or not.
One of the most breathtaking hummingbirds is the snowcap. While it may seem like something straight out of a fairy tale, it is a real bird that can be found in the wild. Despite being no bigger than a bumblebee, this tiny chubby bird manages to stand out from the crowd thanks to its unique and striking appearance. With a deep purple, red wine-colored coat and a shining snow-white cap, it is a true wonder to behold.
These birds are so cute and adorable that they almost seem too good to be true. What’s more, male and female snowcap hummingbirds look quite similar, with female birds having snowy white underparts and a short straight bill, and their upper parts being a bronze-greenish color. Young birds share these features as well.
Snowcap hummingbirds are endemic to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and western Panama, where they prefer to live in the canopy along the wet edges of the forest and in adjacent woodland. Their main diet consists of nectar from small flowers on vines, trees, and epiphytes, which they hover and lick up at an incredible rate of 13 times per second. However, they also feed on insects and spiders.
Interestingly, during the breeding season, the male and female snowcap hummingbirds may mate with up to seven members of the opposite sex. Once they find their mates, female birds build their nests on small twigs or vines, using plant fiber and cobwebs to create a cup-shaped nest. They then lay two eggs in their nests and incubate them for about two weeks, feeding the chicks until they are fully fledged.
As you can see, snowcap hummingbirds are truly remarkable creatures that are full of surprises. If you can’t get enough of these stunning tiny birds, be sure to share this article with your family and friends so they can marvel at their beauty as well.
