Ecuador Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds of the Chocó cloud forest, photographed at the Mashpi Lodge hummingbird garden in Ecuador's Mashpi Reserve.

Three spectacular Velvet-purple Coronets with shimmering indigo bellies and iridescent green backs swarm a hand holding an orange flower cluster in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. One bird perches directly on the hand while two hover mid-air with copper underwings exposed.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / perching
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · hovering
A sharp profile shot of a male Purple-bibbed Whitetip hummingbird hovering mid-air, inserting its bill into a hanging cluster of orange flowers. Its deep violet throat bib and white post-ocular spot are clearly visible, with a second blurry bird in the distant background.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · feeding
Hummingbird species
unknown (blurred) · hovering background
A tiny immature male White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird with a speckled throat feeds from the top of an orange blossom, while a vibrant adult male Purple-bibbed Whitetip probes a lower bloom simultaneously.
White-booted Racket-tail
immature male · feeding
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · feeding
An immature male White-booted Racket-tail hovers near the top of an orange flower cluster, looking down at a much larger, iridescent green and blue immature male Violet-tailed Sylph feeding below it.
White-booted Racket-tail
immature male · hovering
Violet-tailed Sylph
immature male · feeding
Two large Velvet-purple Coronets feed intently from an orange flower stalk while a tiny White-booted Racket-tail hovers off to the right side, waiting its turn.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding
White-booted Racket-tail
female / immature · hovering
A close-up of a human hand holding an orange flower sprig. A Velvet-purple Coronet is perched directly on the thumb, another hovers to feed on the right, and a tiny speckled White-booted Racket-tail drinks from a lower bloom.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching / feeding
White-booted Racket-tail
female / immature · feeding
Two tiny White-booted Racket-tail hummingbirds sharing a handheld orange flower. One is perched comfortably on an index finger while the second hovers underneath to feed.
White-booted Racket-tail
female / immature · perching / feeding
Two White-booted Racket-tail hummingbirds hovering in perfect synchrony under a hand-held flower. One bird faces directly away, perfectly displaying its fuzzy white leg puffs or boots.
White-booted Racket-tail
female / immature · hovering
Three different species gather at a hand-held feeder setup. A Velvet-purple Coronet sits on the thumb, a large green Brilliant species sits center with its back turned, and a male Purple-bibbed Whitetip drinks from a port on the right.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
Brilliant species
adult · perching
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · feeding
An adult Brown Inca hummingbird hovers in mid-air with wings fully spread. Its bronzy-brown body contrasts beautifully with a glittering iridescent purple throat patch and a stark white spot on the side of its neck. A second green hummingbird is softly blurred in the background.
Brown Inca
adult male · hovering
Hummingbird species
unknown (blurred) · hovering background
A velvety-black and iridescent green Velvet-purple Coronet perches on a red plastic feeder port, while a mature male White-booted Racket-tail hovers elegantly in the air behind it, displaying its impossibly long wire-like tail feathers ending in distinct blue-black paddles.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
White-booted Racket-tail
adult male · hovering
A Velvet-purple Coronet sips from a red hummingbird feeder while a fully mature male White-booted Racket-tail flies in a sleek horizontal line towards the station, its long racket-tipped tail streaming straight out behind it.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
White-booted Racket-tail
adult male · hovering
A Velvet-purple Coronet feeds from a hanging orange flower cluster, its chest glowing with intense indigo blue, while a male Violet-tailed Sylph hovers closely on the right side with its long, iridescent blue-purple tail fanned out downward.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding
Violet-tailed Sylph
immature male · hovering
Three Velvet-purple Coronets perch simultaneously on a person's green jacket sleeve and open hand in the cloud forest, their black heads and deep violet-blue chests detailed in sharp focus against a soft green background.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
An exceptional behavioral shot of a fluffy, dark juvenile Velvet-purple Coronet perched on a mossy branch with its beak opened wide, begging or vocalizing towards an adult Velvet-purple Coronet perched calmly on its right.
Velvet-purple Coronet
juvenile · begging / vocalizing
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
Rear view of a Velvet-purple Coronet hovering under orange flowers, its upper back blazing with brilliant emerald-turquoise iridescence and its tail widely fanned to reveal bold white outer feathers, while a second coronet is blurred in the background.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · hovering / tail-fanning
A high-drama action shot of a Velvet-purple Coronet perched defensively on a branch with its beak wide open, looking upward at a second coronet diving in aggressively from the upper left with its white tail feathers fully fanned.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · territorial defense / sparring
An adult male Brown Inca hummingbird freezes mid-hover against a lush green background, showing its long straight bill, prominent white neck spot, and flashing purple gorget.
Brown Inca
adult male · hovering
A male Brown Inca hummingbird hovers right next to a red plastic feeder, its wings spread wide in diffuse light revealing its chocolate-brown body plumage and purple throat patch.
Brown Inca
adult male · feeding / hovering
A sharp close-up of an adult male Brown Inca hummingbird hovering vertically, wings sweeping back, with its throat patch catching direct light to display a brilliant violet-purple iridescence.
Brown Inca
adult male · hovering
An extreme macro close-up profile shot of a Brown Inca hummingbird inserting its long black bill into a red feeder flower port, showing immense feather detail around its dark eye and white shoulder patch.
Brown Inca
adult male · feeding
A side-profile shot of a male Brown Inca hummingbird hovering in mid-air, its wings caught mid-downstroke showing an elegant fan of translucent feathers.
Brown Inca
adult male · hovering
A clean side profile of a sleek Brown Inca hummingbird hovering with its wings sweeping horizontally straight back against a softly blurred, neutral background.
Brown Inca
female / unlit male · hovering
A Brown Inca hummingbird dips its head down to feed from a red and white nectar station, its wings angled back gracefully in a smooth forward glide.
Brown Inca
female / unlit male · feeding / landing
An adult Brown Violetear hummingbird perches alertly on a bare branch against a soft green background, displaying its deep violet ear patches and a glittering emerald-and-blue throat patch.
Brown Violetear
adult · perching
A relaxed, puffed-up immature Brown Violetear hummingbird perches on a mossy branch, its neck compressed and feathers ruffled into a rounded shape, showing a violet cheek patch.
Brown Violetear
juvenile · perching
A Brown Violetear hummingbird perches on a thin vertical twig under direct sunlight, looking upward with its scaly iridescent green throat patch intensely illuminated.
Brown Violetear
adult · perching
A front-facing view of a Brown Violetear hummingbird perching on a horizontal reddish branch framed by green leaves, looking up and to the right.
Brown Violetear
adult · perching
A Brown Violetear hummingbird stands on a branch and extends its left wing fully upward and outward, revealing its sleek primary wing feathers and warm cinnamon under-tail tones.
Brown Violetear
adult · wing-stretching
An extreme macro close-up portrait of a Brown Violetear hummingbird looking left over its shoulder, revealing immense definition in its scaly body feathers, violet ear patch, and iridescent throat.
Brown Violetear
adult · perching
A stunning male Violet-tailed Sylph hummingbird perches gracefully atop a vibrant pink and yellow tropical flower stalk, its long iridescent violet-blue tail trailing elegantly down to the bottom right.
Violet-tailed Sylph
subadult male · perching
Side profile of an adult male Violet-tailed Sylph perching on a pink and yellow flower stalk, its impossibly long, iridescent blue-purple tail streamers sweeping down across the frame.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult male · perching
An immature male Violet-tailed Sylph hummingbird hovers vertically to feed from a hanging cluster of orange flowers, showing off its iridescent green body, blue crown, and a developing, shorter blue tail.
Violet-tailed Sylph
immature male · feeding / hovering
A crisp close-up of a female Purple-bibbed Whitetip hummingbird hovering mid-air to feed on an orange flower cluster. The bird shows a distinct white spot behind its eye, a white mustache stripe, and a heavily speckled green-and-white breast.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult female · feeding / hovering
An adult male Violet-tailed Sylph hummingbird caught mid-air in a perfect vertical hover while sipping from an orange bloom, its long, elegant tail feathers curving dramatically through the frame.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult male · feeding / hovering
An adult male Violet-tailed Sylph hummingbird perches calmly on a person's index finger while feeding from a cluster of orange flowers held in the hand, its massive blue tail extending perfectly horizontally.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult male · perching / feeding
A male Violet-tailed Sylph perches on a branch next to hanging pink flowers, extending its left wing fully upward in a beautiful stretch that highlights individual primary feathers.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult male · wing-stretching / perching
An over-the-shoulder back view of a male Violet-tailed Sylph perching on a branch behind a large green leaf, its crown flashing a brilliant metallic golden-lime iridescence.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult male · perching
A White-whiskered Hermit hummingbird hovers in mid-air, its long decurved bill perfectly aimed towards the delicate yellow blossoms of a tall, exotic bromeliad plant in the cloud forest.
White-whiskered Hermit
adult · feeding / hovering
A crisp side profile of a White-whiskered Hermit hummingbird hovering horizontally next to a red feeder, its long wings extended wide and its bold white facial stripes sharply defined.
White-whiskered Hermit
adult · hovering
A White-whiskered Hermit hummingbird hovers steadily as it inserts its curved bill into a red feeder port, perfectly exposing the bright reddish-orange coloration on its lower mandible.
White-whiskered Hermit
adult · feeding / hovering
A White-whiskered Hermit hummingbird drinks from a red feeder blossom, its plumage catching the light to reveal a deep, iridescent blue-green sheen across its back and upper chest.
White-whiskered Hermit
adult · feeding
A White-whiskered Hermit hummingbird frozen in a rock-steady hover at a feeder port, its tail pointing straight down to display a clean white tip on the central feathers.
White-whiskered Hermit
adult · feeding / hovering
A White-whiskered Hermit hummingbird feeds intently from a red port, its long wings caught at the absolute peak of an upstroke showing the fine detail of its primary flight feathers.
White-whiskered Hermit
adult · feeding / hovering
A crisp close-up action shot of an immature male White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird hovering mid-air. Its throat is heavily mottled with dark feathers, and its white leg puffs are visible against a clean green background.
White-booted Racket-tail
immature male · hovering
Side profile of an immature male White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird hovering to feed on a hanging orange flower cluster against a lush green background.
White-booted Racket-tail
immature male · feeding / hovering
An immature male White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird hovers with wings raised as it drinks from a red feeder port, its signature white downy leg tufts prominently on display as it grips the edge.
White-booted Racket-tail
immature male · feeding / hovering
An immature male White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird perches vertically on the tip of a green plant stem, looking to the left with a colorful heliconia flower softly blurred in the background.
White-booted Racket-tail
immature male · perching
An adult Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perches on a diagonal vine against a soft green background, showcasing its velvety black head, iridescent turquoise shoulder flash, and electric purple-indigo breast scales.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
An extreme macro profile of a Velvet-purple Coronet perched next to a red feeder, highlighting the detailed overlapping scale structures of its iridescent emerald wing coverts and deep violet breast.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
A back-view portrait of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perched on an open human hand, looking upward with its black bill slightly open against a soft blurred backdrop.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching / vocalizing
A frontal portrait of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perched safely on an extended index finger, its deep purple chest contrasting cleanly with a bright green background.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
A side-profile view of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perching horizontally on a green stem directly above a hanging cluster of orange tubular flowers.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
Rear view of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird hovering to feed on a handheld orange blossom, its tail completely fanned to show its bold white outer tail feathers with dark tips.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / hovering
A Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird hovers in mid-air near an orange flower stalk, wings swept back to reveal a warm rufous-cinnamon underwing coloration.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · hovering
A Velvet-purple Coronet perches on a handheld orange flower cluster, its wings swept upward to catch the light and illuminate its iridescent turquoise back against a green striped background.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / perching
A side-profile view of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird hovering near an orange blossom, with its wings raised and its white-and-black tail dramatically fanned downward for stability.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · hovering / feeding
A close-up portrait of a relaxed, fluffed-out Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perched on a brown branch directly above a large vibrant green leaf.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
An adult Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perches delicately on a human finger holding an orange flower cluster. The bird's iridescent crown shines deep violet-purple, contrasting with its emerald-green shoulders and electric-blue body scales.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
A Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perches alertly on a mossy, diagonal branch against a bright green background, looking up and to the right with its deep indigo breast fully visible.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
A Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird pauses at a red feeder port with its right wing extended horizontally, revealing a brilliant flash of warm coppery-cinnamon underwing feathers.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / hovering
Side profile of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perching quietly on a thin branch amidst green leaves, showcasing its detailed bronze-tinted facial feathers and shimmering green-to-blue back scales.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
A side-angle view of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird hovering beneath orange tubular flowers. Its wings are spread wide to expose coppery linings, and its body glows with structural blue and green highlights.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · hovering / feeding
A Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird hovers in a sharp horizontal profile, inserting its bill deep into a cluster of orange flowers while its outspread wings show beautiful translucent feather details.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / hovering
A front-facing view of a Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perching on a thin green branch, its chest blazing with intensely saturated, neon-violet breast scales against a creamy background bokeh.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · perching
A Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird perches securely on a person's index finger, lowering its head to drink from an orange flower cluster held in the hand, its iridescent green mantle glistening clearly.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / perching
An adult female Violet-tailed Sylph hummingbird perches on a red feeder rim. She displays a shimmering blue-teal crown, a white throat heavily speckled with green, a rich cinnamon-rufous underbelly, and a long dark tail.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult female · perching
An adult male Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird perches in profile on a rustic wooden railing. Its dense emerald-green feathers shine with a metallic bronze tint on the crown, complemented by a long straight black bill and a small white spot behind the eye.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult male · perching
An immature male Crowned Woodnymph hummingbird perches on a red feeder rim. Its dingy gray underparts look falsely reddish-fawn due to reflected light from the plastic plastic structure, while its upperparts glint with iridescent green.
Crowned Woodnymph
immature male · feeding / perching
A close-up profile shot of an immature male Crowned Woodnymph hummingbird perched on a red feeder rim. A brilliant, authentic violet-purple iridescent patch flares on its lower belly, while its upper chest catches a false reddish reflection from the feeder.
Crowned Woodnymph
immature male · perching
An adult male Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird hovers dynamically in mid-air as it probes a cluster of orange flowers. Its deep green body glitters in the light, and its throat patch flares with a brilliant iridescent violet spot.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult male · feeding / hovering
An immature male Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird perches on a diagonal branch, showcasing a vibrant iridescent green body, a long straight black bill, and a distinct cinnamon-buff throat patch with fine speckling.
Green-crowned Brilliant
immature male · perching
A rear-view perspective of a male Purple-bibbed Whitetip hummingbird perched on a red feeder rim, clearly displaying a bold white post-ocular spot and the large, bright white tips on its central tail feathers.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · perching
A tiny female Purple-throated Woodstar hummingbird frozen mid-flight against a soft bokeh background, showing its rich cinnamon-orange underparts, speckled buff throat, dark eye mask, and short tail.
Purple-throated Woodstar
adult female · hovering
An adult male Green Thorntail hummingbird glides through the air in a perfect horizontal profile, displaying its brilliant emerald-green plumage and long, deeply forked, needle-thin tail feathers.
Green Thorntail
adult male · hovering
A rear view of a male Green Thorntail hummingbird hovering below a cluster of orange flowers, showcasing its iridescent green back, a clean white bar across its lower back, and a streaming dark tail.
Green Thorntail
adult male · feeding / hovering
A rear view of a male Green Thorntail hummingbird hovering with its wings thrown wide upward in a V-shape, approaching a cluster of hanging orange cloud forest flowers.
Green Thorntail
adult male · hovering
A side-profile shot of a male Green Thorntail hummingbird inserting its straight bill into an orange flower tube, its long tail pointing straight down to create a long, elegant line.
Green Thorntail
adult male · feeding / hovering
A side view of a male Green Thorntail hummingbird hovering in mid-air, its wings caught in a powerful forward stroke revealing a deep blackish belly and a stark white flank patch.
Green Thorntail
adult male · hovering
A male Green Thorntail hummingbird hovers horizontally while sipping nectar from an orange flower stalk, its tail trailing straight back into the out-of-focus background.
Green Thorntail
adult male · feeding / hovering
A male Green Thorntail hummingbird hovers to feed on an orange flower cluster, its wings swept downward and forward in a crisp profile shot against a soft green background.
Green Thorntail
adult male · feeding / hovering
A male Green Thorntail hummingbird captured in a side profile hover near orange flowers, its wings swept back horizontally to emphasize its streamlined shape and iridescent green throat.
Green Thorntail
adult male · hovering
A male Green Thorntail hummingbird flying horizontally across a lush green background, its long wire-like tail trailing perfectly level behind it.
Green Thorntail
adult male · hovering
A tack-sharp, flawless profile shot of a male Green Thorntail hummingbird hovering against a solid, creamy green bokeh background, its long needle-like tail feathers stretching out beautifully.
Green Thorntail
adult male · hovering
A male Purple-throated Woodstar hummingbird hovers in a sharp side profile, displaying its brilliant iridescent magenta throat gorget, stark white breast band, and warm rufous flanks.
Purple-throated Woodstar
adult male · hovering
A Brown Inca hummingbird perches on a curved green vine against a pale sky, showing its deep bronzy-brown upperparts and a tiny white neck spot.
Brown Inca
adult · perching
A female Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird perches on a red feeder rim. Her plumage features a white underside densely spotted with bright green scales, a white cheek stripe, and an emerald back.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult female · perching
A rear view of a male Purple-bibbed Whitetip hummingbird perched on a feeder rim, showing its iridescent green back, prominent white post-ocular spot, and the signature bright white patch on its central tail feathers.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · perching
An incredible close-up portrait of a male Purple-bibbed Whitetip hummingbird perched on a clean branch, showcasing its solid emerald-green body and a flawless, flashing violet-purple throat bib.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · perching
A male Purple-bibbed Whitetip hummingbird perches on a branch, its head turned slightly to make its iridescent amethyst throat patch flare brilliantly against its shimmering green chest.
Purple-bibbed Whitetip
adult male · perching
A female Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird with heavily green-spotted white underparts perches on an orange flower cluster held in a human hand.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult female · perching
A female Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird leans down, inserting its bill into a handheld orange flower cluster while perched gently on a thumb.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult female · feeding / perching
A side view of a tiny male Purple-throated Woodstar hummingbird frozen in mid-flight, showing its glittering magenta throat, white collar, and short pointed tail.
Purple-throated Woodstar
adult male · hovering
A male Purple-throated Woodstar hummingbird hovers in crisp profile, its wings caught at the peak of an upstroke, highlighting its high-contrast white chest band and glowing magenta gorget.
Purple-throated Woodstar
adult male · hovering
An adult male Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird perches upright on a red plastic feeder rim, showing off its long straight bill, intense glittering green crown, and dense body feathers.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult male · perching
A side-back view of an adult male Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird perched on a red feeder rim, with a second blurry hummingbird captured mid-flight in the distant background.
Green-crowned Brilliant
adult male · perching
Hummingbird species
unknown (blurred) · hovering background
An adult Brown Violetear hummingbird perches gracefully on a lichen-draped branch, looking up and to the right as its metallic green-to-indigo throat patch captures a pocket of soft canopy light.
Brown Violetear
adult · perching
A Velvet-purple Coronet hummingbird hovers in absolute precision as it inserts its bill into a hanging orange flower cluster, fanning its wings to display a vibrant flash of warm coppery-cinnamon underwing coverts.
Velvet-purple Coronet
adult (monomorphic) · feeding / hovering
A close-up portrait of a female or immature White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird perched comfortably on a thin branch, showing its clean white mustache stripe, speckled green throat, and white thigh tufts.
White-booted Racket-tail
female / immature · perching
An extraordinary, perfectly symmetrical rear portrait of an adult male Violet-tailed Sylph hummingbird perching on a bare horizontal branch, its magnificent blue-purple tail streamers trailing straight down.
Violet-tailed Sylph
adult male · perching
A female or immature White-booted Racket-tail hummingbird grips a red feeder rim mid-hover, its wings fanned wide and its downy white boots perfectly framed against a creamy background.
White-booted Racket-tail
female / immature · landing / feeding

All photos are available as prints or digital downloads at stephensherrardphotography.com. Reference the filename or species name when inquiring about a specific image.