Hummingbirds are among the most amazing birds in Mexico, and Chapultepec Forest is one of the best places in Mexico City to spot them. Thirteen different species of hummingbirds have been recorded in this iconic green space, representing more than 20% of all the species found in the country.
If you’ve ever seen one flitting among the flowers, you’ve surely noticed how fast it moves. Did you know that these tiny birds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second? This ability allows them to hover in midair and even fly backward—something no other bird can do.
A haven for hummingbirds right in the heart of Mexico City
In addition to their impressive flight, hummingbirds play a vital role in nature. As they search for nectar in flowers, they carry pollen from one plant to another, becoming important pollinators that help maintain the balance of ecosystems.
In Chapultepec Forest, you can find species such as the Mexican hummingbird, the white-eared sapphire, the beryl hummingbird, the spotted-tail hummingbird, and the broad-billed hummingbird, among others.
Many of these sightings have been documented by people participating in iNaturalist, a citizen science platform where anyone can record the flora and fauna they encounter during their outings. Thanks to these contributions, we can better understand the biodiversity found in one of Mexico City’s most important green spaces.
The next time you visit Chapultepec, it’s worth taking a close look at the gardens and flower-filled areas. With a little patience, you might come across one of these incredible birds, which—in addition to putting on a unique show with their flight—contribute every day to keeping the city’s ecosystem alive.
