Jewels of the Cloud Forest: The Empress Brilliant Hummingbird

Yesterday afternoon was all about photographing hummingbirds! I still have countless shots to sort through, but I couldn’t wait to share this one—a composition of Empress Brilliant Hummingbirds (Heliodoxa imperatrix).

These stunning birds are among the most striking species found in Ecuador’s cloud forests. They are also relatively rare and endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else. The Empress Brilliant thrives in the humid Chocó Ecoregion, typically between 600-1,500 meters, where the dense forest is rich with nectar-filled flowers. At Mashpi Lodge, we spotted them hovering around the hummingbird feeders, fiercely guarding their territory. Like most hummingbirds, they rely on nectar but also catch small insects for protein.

Sadly, deforestation and habitat loss have put this species at risk, and it is now classified as Near Threatened. Protected areas like Mashpi Lodge are crucial in helping secure their future.

Mashpi Lodge, Chocó Ecoregion, Pichincha, Ecuador