Species profile
About this species
The Great Sapphirewing is one of the largest hummingbirds in the world, found in the Andes of South America. The male is striking with brilliant sapphire-blue wings & a glittering green body, making it a prized subject for wildlife photographers. It inhabits high-altitude forests & shrubby areas, often feeding on large flowering plants along forest edges.
High-altitude Andean forests & shrublands, typically found between 2,500 & 4,000 metres elevation in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia, often near forest edges with abundant flowering plants.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Great Sapphirewing with us in Colombia.
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 dawn offer the best light & activity levels, as the birds feed most actively in cooler temperatures. The dry season between May & September generally provides clearer skies & more predictable weather at high altitudes.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & capture sharp detail in the iridescent plumage. Position yourself near known feeding flowers at eye level to achieve a clean background & maximise the chance of capturing the vivid blue colouration. Patience is essential - spend time observing the bird's feeding routes & pre-focuss on a favourite bloom to anticipate its return.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Great Sapphirewing
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.