The Snowy-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia edward) is a striking species found throughout Panama, from the cloud forests at mid-elevations to the lower, tropical regions. With its brilliant green body, metallic blue head, and snowy-white belly and throat, it stands out as a living gem of the country's diverse habitats. While it is often associated with the highlands, this hummingbird can also be found in the lowland areas, where it adapts well to a variety of environments, including both forested and more open landscapes.

The Snowy-bellied Hummingbird plays a vital role in the ecosystems it inhabits, particularly as a pollinator. It feeds on the nectar of a wide range of flowering plants, contributing to the maintenance of plant biodiversity. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in different types of flora, from the tubular blooms in higher elevations to more open, accessible flowers in the lowlands.

This hummingbird's quick movements, territorial behavior, and agility make it a challenge to spot. It darts from flower to flower with impressive speed, often disappearing into the dense foliage of its surroundings. Birdwatchers who explore both Panama’s cloud forests and lowland areas are often rewarded with sightings of this exquisite species.

Source: A Guide to Birds of Panama by Robert S. Ridgely and John A. Gwynne