Violet-headed Hummingbird Feeding at Purple Porterweed

A Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti) feeds from a purple porterweed flower at Arenal Observatory Lodge in Costa Rica. Its compact form, short straight bill, blue-violet crown and conspicuous white spot behind the eye stand out among the vertical flower spikes, while green and turquoise upperparts catch the filtered forest light. The bill is visibly inserted into the corolla, documenting nectar feeding. At 1/2000 second, f/5.6 and ISO 6400, the body and flower remain crisp while translucent motion in the wings conveys the rapid hover; the MC-20 teleconverter provides the reach for a close view without flash.