Purple-throated Mountain-gem (female), Costa Rica

The Purple-throated Mountain-gem is a vibrant superstar of Costa Rica’s cloud forests, dazzling all who catch a glimpse of its radiant colors. The males sport an iridescent purple throat that glows like a gem when the light hits just right, paired with shimmering green feathers and a striking white stripe down each cheek. Females, while subtler in appearance, bring their own charm with soft green and cinnamon tones. These hummingbirds are fast and feisty, zipping between flowers with unrelenting energy, guarding their feeding territories with bold displays of aerial agility. Their presence adds a splash of brilliance to the misty highlands, making the Purple-throated Mountain-gem a must-see marvel in Costa Rica’s rich avian tapestry.