In this article, discover the fascinating world of hummingbirds as we explore the 14 common species found in Nicaragua. Each species is described in detail, from their identifying characteristics to their range and behavior. Want to attract these vibrant creatures to your own garden? We’ve got you covered with suggestions on which flowers to plant and how to use hummingbird feeders. Whether it’s the Ruby-throated Hummingbird or the White-bellied Emerald, prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of these tiny feathered jewels.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird that is easily recognized by its iridescent green feathers and ruby-red throat. It measures only about 3-4 inches in length and weighs less than a nickel. Males have the distinct ruby-red throat that gives the species its name, while females have a plain white throat. These hummingbirds are known for their agility and speed, able to fly in several directions, including backward and upside down.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is primarily found in the eastern part of North America, from Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico. During the breeding season, they can be found in the eastern United States and southern Canada. In the winter, they migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In terms of behavior, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are highly territorial. Males will aggressively defend their feeding and nesting territories from other hummingbirds. They rely heavily on nectar for their diet, feeding on various flowers and sugar water from hummingbird feeders. These small birds have a rapid metabolism and need to consume vast amounts of nectar to sustain their energy.
Cinnamon Hummingbird
The Cinnamon Hummingbird is a striking species with rusty cinnamon-colored plumage overall. It has a long, slightly curved bill and measures about 3-4 inches in length. Males have a cinnamon-colored throat and upperparts, whereas females have a duller tone. This species is known for its unique habit of hanging upside down on plant stems.
Cinnamon Hummingbirds can be found primarily in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and open woodlands. They are also known to visit hummingbird feeders.
These hummingbirds are solitary and tend to have small home ranges, defending territorial feeding areas. They are highly aggressive towards other hummingbirds and will chase away intruders. Cinnamon Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from flowers, but they may also eat small insects and spiders for protein.
White-eared Hummingbird
The White-eared Hummingbird is a remarkable species with striking features. It has a vibrant green plumage, a white frame around its eye, and a distinctive white patch behind its eye that gives it its name. This species measures approximately 4 inches in length and has a thin, long bill.
White-eared Hummingbirds are native to Central America and can be found in mountainous regions, cloud forests, and pine-oak forests. They are known to migrate to lower elevations during the winter. These hummingbirds are often found near flowering plants, feeding on nectar with their long bills.
When it comes to behavior, White-eared Hummingbirds are territorial and fiercely defend their feeding areas. They are agile flyers, able to hover and dart quickly between flowers. In addition to nectar, they also eat small insects and spiders. They have been observed performing elaborate courtship flights to attract mates.
Azure-crowned Hummingbird
The Azure-crowned Hummingbird is a stunning species with shimmering blue-green plumage on its back and a vibrant blue crown on its head. It measures about 3-4 inches in length and has a short, straight bill. Males and females have similar plumage, but males may have more vibrant colors.
This species is found in Central America, specifically in mountainous regions, cloud forests, and pine-oak forests. It can also be found in coffee plantations and gardens with appropriate flowering plants. Azure-crowned Hummingbirds are known to migrate seasonally, moving to lower elevations during the non-breeding season.
Azure-crowned Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, using their long bills to reach the nectar deep inside the flowers. They are highly territorial and will defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds. These birds are active and agile, capable of hovering and flying in various directions.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is a medium-sized species with a distinctive rusty-red tail and a metallic green body. It measures about 3.5-4.5 inches in length and has a slightly curved bill. Both males and females have similar plumage, but males may have more vibrant colors.
This species can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, gardens, and open woodlands, from Mexico to Panama. They are known for their impressive migration patterns, traveling as far north as the United States during the breeding season. They primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, but they will also consume small insects.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior, defending their territory fiercely. They are agile flyers, capable of hovering and flying in various directions. These birds are also known to perform courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and vocalizations.
White-necked Jacobin
The White-necked Jacobin is a striking hummingbird with a metallic green body, white breast, and a distinct white collar around its neck. It measures about 5-6 inches in length, making it one of the larger hummingbird species. Males have a more pronounced white collar than females.
This species is native to Central America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and plantations. They are known to visit flowering plants and are attracted to hummingbird feeders. White-necked Jacobins are non-migratory, remaining in their territories year-round.
White-necked Jacobins primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, using their long bills to reach deep inside the flowers. They are highly territorial and will chase away other hummingbirds from their feeding areas. These birds have a distinctive vocalization, often making buzzing or chattering sounds during flight.
White-bellied Emerald
The White-bellied Emerald is a small hummingbird species with a brilliant green plumage and a white belly. It measures about 3-4 inches in length and has a straight bill. Both males and females have similar plumage, but males may have more vibrant colors.
This species can be found in Central America, primarily in wooded habitats and forest edges. They are known to visit flowering plants and are attracted to hummingbird feeders. White-bellied Emeralds are non-migratory and remain in their territories year-round.
White-bellied Emeralds primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, but they also consume small insects and spiders for protein. They are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds. These birds are agile flyers, capable of hovering and flying in various directions.
Long-billed Hermit
The Long-billed Hermit is a distinctive hummingbird species with a curved bill that measures longer than its body. It has green plumage on its back and a white breast, and it measures approximately 4-5 inches in length. Males and females have similar plumage.
This species can be found in Central America, primarily in forested areas, gardens, and plantations. They are known to visit flowering plants and are attracted to hummingbird feeders. Long-billed Hermits are non-migratory and remain in their territories year-round.
Long-billed Hermits primarily feed on nectar using their long bills to reach deep into flowers. They are highly territorial and will defend their feeding areas aggressively. These hummingbirds are known for their unique courtship displays, including elaborate flight patterns and vocalizations.
Green-breasted Mango
The Green-breasted Mango is a striking hummingbird with an iridescent green and purple plumage on its back and a bright green throat. It measures about 4-5 inches in length and has a straight bill. Males and females have similar plumage.
This species can be found in Central America, primarily in lowland forests and forest edges. They are known to visit flowering plants and are attracted to hummingbird feeders. Green-breasted Mangos are non-migratory and remain in their territories year-round.
Green-breasted Mangos primarily feed on nectar from flowers but will also consume small insects and spiders. They are highly territorial and will defend their feeding areas fiercely. These birds have a distinctive vocalization, often emitting a loud buzzing sound during flight.
Canivet’s Emerald
The Canivet’s Emerald is a small hummingbird with a bright green plumage and a slightly curved bill. It measures about 3-4 inches in length. Males and females have similar coloring, but males may have more vibrant hues.
This species can be found in Mexico, Belize, and parts of Guatemala. They inhabit various habitats, including forests, plantations, and gardens. Canivet’s Emeralds are known to visit flowering plants and are attracted to hummingbird feeders.
Canivet’s Emeralds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, using their long bills to reach the nectar deep inside the flowers. They are highly territorial and will chase away other hummingbirds from their feeding areas. These birds are agile flyers, capable of hovering and flying in various directions.
In conclusion, Nicaragua is home to a diverse array of hummingbird species, each with its own unique identifying characteristics, range, and behavior. These small birds are not only a delight to observe but also play important roles as pollinators in their ecosystems. By providing appropriate food sources, such as nectar-rich flowers and hummingbird feeders, individuals can attract these magnificent creatures to their gardens and contribute to their conservation efforts. So next time you step outside, keep an eye out for these fascinating hummingbirds and enjoy their beauty and grace.