Hummingbirds Center Research Institute - Centro Colibri, Inc.
Hummingbirds Center ✦
Since 1999
A quarter-century of passion, research, conservation, and fieldwork
Despite countless scientific publications on hummingbirds, a comprehensive protocol regarding their physiology and nutritional needs was missing.
We established the necessary protocols to maintain stable populations ex situ, enabling governmental and zoological institutions to apply appropriate conservation measures in situ—including breeding and reintroduction into the wild where necessary.
We also developed a food for hummingbirds that is the result of 26 years of research and is backed by peer-reviewed scientific studies.
From hatching
Nestlings abandoned on their first day of life have been raised under our direct care using our complete diet.
To fledging
Our nectar has allowed the complete development of the little hummingbirds weaned by our keepers
Critical care
Hand-feeding a newborn hummingbird on its first day of life
Embryonic development
When incubating orphaned eggs, it is important to monitor embryonic development on a daily basis so that action can be taken immediately
Autoclavable feeders
Plastic products may also be used for feeders, but only if they are pharmaceutical grade, sterile and autoclavable
Ecuadorian research station
At our Ecuadorian research station with Vice Director Federica Cardarelli, Senior Keeper Thalia Pardo, and Assistant Jane Villasis
Our nectar
Produced in our laboratories. Research conducted in cooperation with Chelab Laboratories (Treviso, Italy), Seris Lab (Genova, Italy), and the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Udine (Italy).
Grounded in 26 years of research and documented in a peer-reviewed publication with an assigned DOI, our formula is a complete food designed to meet real hummingbird nutritional needs beyond empty calories.
Sugar water provides energy, but hummingbirds cannot live on sugar alone.
With sugar water available ad libitum, hummingbirds reduce natural foraging on flowers and insects. Since feeding naturally requires visits to more than 1,500 flowers per day, they prefer the effortless access offered by feeders.
Research & field work
From Italy to South America
Our breeding and nutrition protocols have been field-tested in: Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic and in European Zoological Institutions.
Even abandoned nestlings have been successfully raised on this formula from hatch to flight.
The Colombian University
The agreement with the University of Boyacá, in the presence of the envoy of the President of the Republic of Colombia, Hon. Ciro Montañez
The University of Udine
Rector Prof. Compagno, Prof. Susmel, and the late Prof. De Ferra back in 2008 during the study of the first formulations of the nectar
The Ecuadorian University
The agreement with the Universidad UCE, in the presence of Rector Fernando Sempértegui and Dean of Veterinary Medicine
Italy 1999, where it all began...
Prof. Karl Schuchmann (University of Bonn) who first decoded hummingbirds’ diet in 1978. One of the founding patrons of our Center
The Italian Minister of the Environment
Back in 2004, the Italian Minister of the Environment Hon. Matteoli inaugurated the first experimental version of Hummcare Nectar
The Ecuadorian Minister of the Environment
The Minister with the Rector of the Central University and the board of the Hummingbirds Center
Ex Situ Breeding
Composition
Hummcare Nectar is the U.S. name of our scientific nectar. Formulated with 23 amino acids, hydrolyzed proteins, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, 75% carbohydrates, and over 18% prebiotic fiber, it was developed for hummingbirds maintained under controlled care, field conditions, and veterinary nutritional rehabilitation.
Because birds feeding ad libitum at feeders often reduce the energetically costly pursuit of small insects, the formula includes a high fiber fraction to help compensate for what would normally come from insect prey.
Our staff
From the left Curator Rebeca Guler with Deputy Director Federica Cardarelli
Our Senior Keeper Thalia Pardo
Our Veterinary Director Pierfrancesco Bertoni
From the left our biologist Sara Pineda with our Keeper Miriam Battaglia
Alice, Thalia, Rebeca and Federica
Our Keeper Alice Lincetto
An orphan’s second chance.
When a mother leaves, we step in. This tiny hatchling, abandoned at the egg stage, is now thriving on a complete diet. Witness how our science-backed formula turns a fragile beginning into a strong life.
This newborn measures only 6 mm (0.24 inches)
A Tribute to Our Origins
Our Locations
We’d love for you to experience our nectar in person — make an appointment and come visit us
Hummingbirds Center Research Institute - Centro Colibri, Inc.
Open hours
Mon–Sat: 11:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Italian Scientific Institution Centro Colibri and laboratories
Open hours
We are present 24/7 every day of the year
South American Branch - LATAM
Open hours
Monday thru Friday: 11:30 AM — 7:00 PM