Curaçao’s Hummingbird

May 19

Written By Gary .

Nature’s Aerial Acrobat

Curaçao, the Dutch Caribbean island famed for its colorful architecture, azure waters, and desert-like terrain, is also home to one of nature’s most remarkable creatures: the hummingbird. Often referred to as “living jewels,” hummingbirds on the island captivate with their iridescent plumage, rapid wingbeats, and fearless demeanor.

But who exactly are these tiny dynamos? Let’s take a deep dive into the species, behavior, habitats, and cultural significance of Curaçao’s hummingbirds.

The Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus)

The most iconic and widespread hummingbird found on Curaçao is the Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird. Locally known as kolibrí, this species is a true Caribbean native, present throughout the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao).

Size: 8–9 cm (3–3.5 inches)
Males: Metallic ruby-red throat and crown with fiery golden underparts that glow like hot coals in the right light.
Females: More subdued olive-green and white plumage with hints of bronze.
Wings: Narrow, dark, and beating up to 80 times per second.

Their coloration can shift dramatically depending on the light, making them appear like living sparks hovering in midair.

Habitat and Diet

Ruby-Topaz Hummingbirds are commonly found in:

Dry scrublands
Cactus-laden hillsides
Gardens and flowering courtyards
Coastal thorny brush

These birds are nectarivores, feeding primarily on the sugary nectar of native and ornamental plants such as:

Aloe vera
Flamboyant tree (Royal Poinciana)
Cacti blooms
Bougainvillea

They supplement their diets with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding season when protein is essential.

Fast, Fierce, and Fearless

Despite their tiny size, hummingbirds are notoriously territorial. Male Ruby-Topaz hummingbirds are known to chase away intruders—including much larger birds or even humans—from their feeding zones.

Their aerial displays include:

Rapid zig-zags and dive-bombing maneuvers
Hovering in place to feed with incredible precision
Flashing their vibrant gorgets (throat feathers) as warning or courtship displays

They are also known to return to the same feeding spots and nesting areas every season, showcasing their strong site fidelity.

Breeding and Nesting

Curaçao’s hummingbirds typically breed between March and July, coinciding with the island’s flowering peak. Females build tiny cup-shaped nests using plant fibers, spider silk, and lichen—camouflaged and usually placed on thin branches.

Clutch size: 2 eggs
Incubation: ~15 days
Fledging: ~20–22 days after hatching

Nests are marvels of micro-architecture and are reused or rebuilt season after season.

As prolific pollinators, hummingbirds are crucial to Curaçao’s natural ecosystem. Their long bills and specialized tongues allow them to reach into deep flowers, transferring pollen from bloom to bloom. In a landscape with limited rainfall and rugged terrain, their role in sustaining native plant life is invaluable.

They contribute directly to the health of:

Cactus populations (which store water)
Ornamental flora in urban gardens
Wild native blossoms in the dry forest areas

Hummingbirds in Curaçaoan Culture

While not as prominently featured as other symbols, the hummingbird is increasingly seen as a spiritual and ecological icon on the island:

Symbol of resilience: Despite harsh climates, the hummingbird thrives—much like the people of Curaçao.
Art and craft: Local artisans often depict hummingbirds in jewelry, ceramics, and mural art.
Eco-tourism appeal: Birdwatchers and nature lovers visit specifically to observe these birds in their natural environment.