Species profile
About this species
The Glittering-bellied Emerald is a small hummingbird native to South America, found across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay & Uruguay. The male displays vivid iridescent green plumage on its underparts with a distinctive forked tail, while the female is more subdued with greyish-white underparts. It is an adaptable species commonly encountered in open woodlands, gardens & forest edges.
Open & semi-open environments including forest edges, scrubland, gardens, parks & gallery forests across lowland South America, often found near flowering plants that provide nectar sources.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Glittering-bellied Emerald with us in Brazil.
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 shortly after sunrise offer the best light & activity, as hummingbirds feed most actively at this time. The austral spring & summer months from October to February correspond with peak flowering & breeding activity, making sightings more frequent.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1600s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & capture sharp detail in the iridescent plumage. Position yourself near flowering plants or feeders where the bird returns repeatedly, allowing you to pre-focus & anticipate its arrival. Shoot in soft, diffused light rather than harsh midday sun to bring out the full colour & detail of the emerald plumage without overexposure.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Glittering-bellied Emerald
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.