"Two species of humming-birds are common; Trochilus forficatus is found over a space of 2500 miles on the west coast, from the hot dry country of Lima to the forests of Tierra del Fuego - where it may be seen flitting about in snow-storms. In the wooded island of Chiloe, which has an extremely humid climate, this little bird, skipping from side to side amidst the dripping foliage, is perhaps more abundant than almost any other kind. I opened the stomachs of several specimens, shot in different parts of the continent, an in all, remains of insects were as numerous as in the stomach of a creeper." Charles Darwin - Voyage of the Beagle
I had some trouble tracking down the identity of Trochilus forficatus. The name has been changed and no longer is used for any bird I could easily find. Below is a picture from the Voyage but the only species that matches is the Green-backed Firecrown (awesome name).
Most people think that hummingbirds subsist on nectar or exclusively on nectar. But they don't. Nectar is great at providing a carbohydrate (sucrose) but few amino acids and fewer minerals (yet people call it the perfect food).
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