The Buff-Bellied
| Scientific name | Mayan name | Español | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazilia yucatanensis | Yax Tzunuum | Chupaflor Yucateco | The Buff-Bellied Hummingbird |
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a larger, more robust bird often seen as the "boss" of the garden because of its bold and protective nature. Its most striking feature is its vibrant metallic-green throat and chest, which sharply transitions into a soft, tawny-beige or "buff" color on its lower belly. This contrast makes it easy to spot even from a distance.
Its tail is a deep, warm cinnamon-red with a subtle green sheen on the central feathers, and its long, slightly curved bill is a bright reddish-pink with a dark tip. Because of its larger size and longer bill, it can easily dominate high-value nectar sources like the Siricote tree, often perching nearby to dive-bomb any smaller hummingbirds that try to sneak a drink. You’ll frequently find them in open woodlands and suburban areas throughout the peninsula, where they are known for their loud, chipping calls as they defend their favorite flower patches.
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