Species profile
About this species
The Blue-chinned Sapphire is a small, vivid hummingbird native to Trinidad, Tobago & northern South America. The male displays striking iridescent green plumage with a distinctive blue chin patch, while the female is slightly duller with pale underparts. It is an active nectarivore commonly found feeding at flowering plants in forest edges & gardens.
Forest edges, secondary growth, gardens & clearings in tropical lowland regions, particularly in Trinidad & northern South America where flowering plants are plentiful.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Blue-chinned Sapphire with us in Trinidad & Tobago.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours offer the best light & peak feeding activity. The Tropical Birds Of Trinidad trip in April (late dry season into early wet season) coincides with good hummingbird activity, as flowering plants are abundant & birds are highly active.
Position yourself near flowering shrubs or heliconia plants where individuals regularly feed, allowing you to pre-focus on a bloom & wait for the bird to arrive. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & capture sharp detail in the iridescent plumage. On the Trinidad trip in late April, scout garden & forest-edge locations early in the morning when birds are most active & the soft light enhances the metallic green & blue tones.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Blue-chinned Sapphire
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.