Microchera

A small but dazzling group of tiny hummingbirds found in parts of Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Panama, and western Colombia. The name Microchera literally means “small hand,” a nod to their tiny, delicate build and incredible maneuverability in the air.

All Microchera species are very small. They have short, straight bills, which they use to feed on nectar from a wide variety of flowers, favoring blooms with shapes that match their tiny size. Their bodies are often brilliantly iridescent, flashing vivid colors like purple, green, copper, and white depending on the light.

One of the most beloved members, the snowcap, is especially famous for its striking look: a deep purplish-bronze body topped with a bright white cap of feathers on its head. In the right light, it looks like a tiny, shimmering jewel with a little snowflake perched on top!

Fun fact: Like many hummingbirds, Microchera species are extremely territorial despite their tiny size. Males will fiercely defend patches of flowers from other hummingbirds, chasing intruders away with rapid, buzzing flights and impressive aerial maneuvers.

They are important pollinators, helping to fertilize a variety of tropical plants as they flit from flower to flower in search of nectar. While feeding, they also catch small insects and spiders for extra protein — an essential part of their diet, especially during breeding season.

Another quirky detail: even though they are tiny, these hummingbirds have relatively large wings compared to their body size, allowing them to hover almost motionlessly and zip backward, sideways, or vertically with ease — movements that almost seem magical.