Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/ruby-topaz-hummingbird/ Species photography guide # Ruby-topaz Hummingbird Photography Holidays *Chrysolampis mosquitus* Explore our Ruby-topaz Hummingbird photography holidays in [Trinidad & Tobago](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/trinidad-tobago/), planned around the conditions that give this species the best photographic potential during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/ruby-topaz-hummingbird/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/ruby-topaz-hummingbird/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/ruby-topaz-hummingbird/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/ruby-topaz-hummingbird/#nl-species-related) ![Ruby-topaz Hummingbird photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Ruby-Topaz-hummingbird-Chrysolampis-mosquitus-hovering-in-the-air-photographed-in-Trinidad-at-the-locations-used-by-the-NaturesLens-Tropical-Birds-Of-Trinidad-Photography-Holiday-1024x683.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Where[Trinidad & Tobago](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/trinidad-tobago/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is a small, brilliantly coloured hummingbird found across northern South America & Trinidad. The male is particularly striking, displaying a vivid ruby-red crown & golden-orange gorget that glitter intensely in direct sunlight. Females are more subdued in colouring, with greenish upperparts & pale underparts. **Habitat** Open woodland, scrub, forest edges, gardens & savannah across northern South America & the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where it favours areas with abundant flowering plants. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby-topaz_hummingbird) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Ruby-topaz Hummingbird with us in [Trinidad & Tobago](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/trinidad-tobago/). These departures are part of our [South America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Early morning hours offer the best light for capturing iridescent plumage. The April Trinidad trip coincides with the dry season transition, when hummingbirds are highly active around flowering plants. Peak activity is typically from dawn until mid-morning. **Approach** Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & capture sharp detail in the iridescent plumage. Position yourself with the sun behind you to maximise the jewel-like colour in the male's crown & gorget, as the colours only appear at the correct angle to light. On the Trinidad trip in April, visit flowering gardens & forest edges early in the morning when birds are most active & the soft light is ideal for capturing their colours. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Bananaquit](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bananaquit/)[Bearded Bellbird](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bearded-bellbird/)[Blue-chinned Sapphire](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blue-chinned-sapphire/)[Channel-billed Toucan](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/channel-billed-toucan/)[Collared Trogon](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-trogon/)[Copper-rumped Hummingbird](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/copper-rumped-hummingbird/)[Golden-headed Manakin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/golden-headed-manakin/)[Green Honeycreeper](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/green-honeycreeper/)[Lineated Woodpecker](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lineated-woodpecker/)[Orange-winged Parrot](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/orange-winged-parrot/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Ruby-topaz Hummingbird The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Ruby-topaz Hummingbird in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Tropical Birds Of Trinidad](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Ruby-Topaz-hummingbird-Chrysolampis-mosquitus-hovering-in-the-air-photographed-in-Trinidad-at-the-locations-used-by-the-NaturesLens-Tropical-Birds-Of-Trinidad-Photography-Holiday-1024x683.jpg) #### Related holiday Tropical Birds Of Trinidad gives guests time in Trinidad & Tobago where Ruby-topaz Hummingbird can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/birds-of-trinidad/) Route Destination Signature Destination Single occupancy Maximum 6 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Tropical Birds Of Trinidad Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Ruby-Topaz-hummingbird-Chrysolampis-mosquitus-hovering-in-the-air-photographed-in-Trinidad-at-the-locations-used-by-the-NaturesLens-Tropical-Birds-Of-Trinidad-Photography-Holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/birds-of-trinidad/) Launch Offer ### 22nd - 29th Apr 2028 - Tropical Birds Of Trinidad **Location:** Trinidad & Tobago Photograph the vibrant birdlife of Trinidad from the comfort of the legendary Asa Wright Nature Centre, where hummingbirds, honeycreepers & tropical rainforest species are often be photographed. Combining relaxed rainforest photography with private Scarlet Ibis sessions in Caroni Swamp. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £5999 Now: £5499** Guided By **David Miles** [View Tropical Birds Of Trinidad](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/birds-of-trinidad/) -