Violet Sabrewing, Costa Rica

How good are hummingbirds? This was the first one I saw here in Costa Rica.

The Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) is one of the largest and most colorful hummingbirds, known for its iridescent plumage that shimmers with shades of deep purple and blue. Native to the tropical forests of Central America, especially in Costa Rica and Panama, this bird is a marvel to behold. Its vibrant feathers change color in different lights, giving it a jewel-like appearance that helps with both attracting mates and blending into its forest surroundings.

Unlike many other hummingbirds, the Violet Sabrewing isn’t highly territorial and tends to roam through the forest in search of flowers. Its curved bill allows it to feed on nectar from long, tubular flowers, and it also supplements its diet with small insects and spiders for added protein. The bird’s name, “sabrewing,” refers to the male’s uniquely shaped primary feathers, which produce a buzzing sound in flight, possibly for communication purposes.

With a length of about 13–15 cm, the Violet Sabrewing is one of the larger hummingbirds. Males perform impressive courtship displays, hovering before potential mates to show off their vivid colors. Once paired, the female handles nesting and raising the young, building a small, cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers and spider webs. Seeing a Violet Sabrewing in its natural habitat is a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of Central American forests.