Green-crowned brilliant hummingbirds feeding on lobster-claw flowers, Costa Rica

Small birds, big impact. Green-crowned brilliant hummingbirds in Costa Rica

When it comes to aerial acrobatics, hummingbirds are in a league of their own. Found only in the Americas, these tiny birds can hover in place, fly backwards and beat their wings dozens of times per second. As they visit flowers in search of nectar, they also serve as important pollinators, helping sustain ecosystems from alpine meadows to tropical rainforests. Their shimmering plumage, remarkable agility and high-energy lifestyles make them some of the world's most fascinating birds.

Today's image shows green-crowned brilliant hummingbirds feeding on lobster-claw flowers in Costa Rica. Among Central America's larger hummingbird species, they are known for their iridescent emerald-green plumage and long, slightly curved bills, perfectly adapted for reaching deep into tubular blossoms. They inhabit humid forests from lowland regions to mountain slopes, where flowering plants provide a reliable source of nectar year-round. This feeding behaviour highlights the close relationship between rainforest plants and their pollinators, offering a glimpse into the interconnected web of life in tropical rainforests.