Buff-bellied Hummingbirds: Photos, Behavior, Habitat, and More

Welcome to the amazing world of Buff-bellied Hummingbird! These tiny birds' scientific name is Amazilia yucatanensis. They are known for their bright colors and incredible flying skills. They live Gulf Coast of the United States and eastern Mexico. They are often seen in gardens and parks. Buff-bellied Hummingbirds can grow up to 3.9 to 4.3 inches (10-11 cm) in length and weigh around 2.5 to 5 grams.

In this article, we will learn all about Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, including what they look like, what they eat, migration, egg size, nest, mating, male-female, and how they live.

Where do Buff-bellied hummingbirds live?

Biff-bellied Hummingbirds are native to the Gulf Coast of the United States and eastern Mexico. They are also found in Louisiana, Texas, and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These tiny hummingbirds are likely to live in gardens, streamside groves, open oak woodland, coastal areas, wooded areas, and also where most flower plants are found. They can thrive in both urban and suburban environments. They also visit hummingbird feeders to eat sugar water.

What does a Buff-bellied hummingbird look like?

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are small types of birds with unique appearances making them easy to identify.

# Size, Weight, and Moth-like Appearance

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds can grow up to 3.9 to 4.3 inches (10-11 cm) in length and weigh between 2.5 to 5 grams. Buff-bellied Hummingbirds look like moths because of their fast wing movements and hovering flight around flowers

# Color Variations

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds have beautiful and unique colors. They have green on their back and crowns with a bright red or pink throat. Their belly is buff colored that's why people give their name buff-bellied. The males are more brightly colored compared to the females. Female buff-bellied have green backs with buff-colored underside.

# Call

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds have a variety of calls. Their common call is a sharp "chip" sound. They also make a rapid series of "tsi-tsi-tsi" sounds during the breeding season. They also make this sound to attract females and defend their territory from other species.

What do Buff-bellied Hummingbirds Eat?

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds primarily eat nectar from flowers like red tubular flowers such as Turk's-cap, banana tree flowers, and red salvia. Their long tongue allows them to reach deep into flowers to access the sweet nectar. Besides nectar, Buff-bellied hummingbirds also eat small insects and spiders. They get most of their protein and nutrients from these small insects and spiders. They are known to visit hummingbird feeders where they can drink sugar water solutions.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Male and Female

Males and females of Buff-bellied Hummingbirds have many differences in appearance and behavior.

 

# Male Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Male Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are known for their striking colors. Males have red or pink throats and green crowns, while females have greenback and buff-colored undersides. Males are highly aggressive and territorial. They will aggressively defend their territory and breeding areas. They show amazing displays during courtship. To attract females they do high-speed dives and rapid side-to-side movements.

# Female Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Female Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are less colorful compared to males. They have a greenback and a buff-colored underside. Females make the nest and take of their chick. Females are also territorial and more tolerant of other hummingbirds.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Mating

The mating behavior of Buff-bellied Hummingbirds is awesome. Males perform remarkable courtship displays to attract female partners during the breeding season. One of the most amazing displays is the "dive display". In this display, the male flies high into the air and then dives toward the ground. They also make a loud popping sound with their tail feather while diving. If a female is impressed to see their display they will mate with them.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Nest

Female Buff-bellied Hummingbirds make their nest. Their nests are cup-shaped and very small in size of a walnut. Females build the nest with spider silk, plant fibers, and other soft materials. The nests are often placed on tree branches or shrubs. Females make their nests nesting enough to protect against predators.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Egg

After making nests, Buff-bellied hummingbirds lay two eggs per clutch. The eggs are very small like the size of a jellybean, a coffee bean, or a tic tac. Their eggs are 0.5 to 0.6 inches (1.2-1.4 cm) in length and width are 0.3 inches (0.8-0.9 cm). The female incubates the eggs for about 14 to 19 days. During these 14 to 19 days mother buff-bellied hummingbird remains in the nest and keeps their eggs warm and safe.

Baby Buff-bellied Hummingbird

After the hatching is complete the baby hummingbirds (chicks) are born blind and featherless. They are fully dependent on their mother for food and warmth. The mother buff-bellied hummingbird feeds their baby nectar and insects. Within a few weeks, the chicks develop feathers and grow rapidly.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Juvenile

Juvenile Buff-bellied Hummingbirds resemble females but with some differences. Young males may have a few colored feathers on their throats. As they mature, they gradually develop the bright colors of adult males. Juveniles are also more playful and curious than adults.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Predators

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds face many predators because of their small size and agility. Common predators include:

• Cats: Domestic and feral cats pose a threat to hummingbirds.
• Birds of Prey: Larger birds, such as hawks and owls, may prey on hummingbirds.
• Snakes: Some snake species can climb trees and prey on hummingbird nests.
• Insects: Large insects, like praying mantises, can occasionally capture and eat hummingbirds.

How Long Does a Buff-bellied Hummingbird Live?

The average lifespan of a Buff-bellied Hummingbird is 8 years (according to some sources). They typically live for about 3 to 5 years in the wild. Some individuals have been known to live up to 8 years.
The oldest Buff-bellied Hummingbird recorded in Texas is about 11 years and 2 months old. Many factors such as predation, food availability, climate change, habitat loss, and more environmental conditions may affect their lifespan.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird Migration

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds do migrate to different regions. Some populations are year-round residents, especially in southern Texas and eastern Mexico. Those that do migrate usually move north during the breeding season and return south for the winter. They are known to travel to the Gulf Coast of the United States during migration.

Buff-bellied vs Broad-billed Hummingbird

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds Spiritual Meaning

Buff-bellied hummingbirds symbolize joy, resilience, and love. Their vibrant, energetic nature reminds us to find happiness in the small things, adapt to challenges, and appreciate the beauty of life. They also signify spiritual growth and a deep connection to nature. You may learn more about  hummingbirds spiritual meaning .

Conclusion

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are fascinating birds with bright colors and amazing behaviors. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or just curious to know about birds, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds offer a unique glimpse of the avian world. Next time you see a tiny hummingbird in your garden, take a moment to appreciate these incredible creatures and the beauty they bring to our world.

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