The white-throated hummingbird is a small, yet strikingly beautiful hummingbird species native to the forests and woodlands of Costa Rica, western Panama, and western Colombia. With its glittering emerald green back, white underparts, and distinctive white throat, this hummingbird is unmistakable.
In this article, we’ll explore the identification, range, habitat, diet, behavior, breeding, conservation status, and unique characteristics that make the white-throated hummingbird such a special species.
Identification
The white-throated hummingbird measures between 3 to 3.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of about 4 inches, and an average weight of 2-3 grams. The male has unmistakable bright emerald green upperparts from his head to tail, white underparts, and a prominent white gorget (throat patch). His straight black bill is perfect for nectar feeding.
The female white-throated hummingbird is similar to the male, but lacks the bright emerald back, instead being greenish above and white below. Her throat patch is speckled with green spots. The differences between the male and female’s plumage is known as sexual dimorphism. Juveniles resemble adult females.
While the white gorget is the most obvious field mark, this hummingbird’s vocalizations are also unique, sounding buzzier and harsher compared to other hummingbirds.
Range and Habitat
The white-throated hummingbird is found along the Pacific slope of Costa Rica into western Panama, mainly at elevations between 2500 to 6000 feet. A small isolated population exists in the Colombian Andes.
This species inhabits tropical forests, woodlands, second growth, forest edges, and semi-open areas including parks and gardens. The presence of flowering plants and nesting sites are key habitat components.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the white-throated hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from flowering plants. Some favorite nectar sources include plants from the genera Fuchsia, Bomarea, Drymonia, and Besleria.
The white-throated hummingbird also feeds on small insects such as flies, beetles, and gnats, which provide essential proteins and nutrients. To catch insect prey, the hummingbird utilizes quick, acrobatic flight maneuvers and may pluck insects directly off leaves.
Behavior
The white-throated hummingbird is solitary and territorial. Males establish breeding territories with plentiful nectar sources which they aggressively defend from intruders and other males. Females may also defend feeding areas once nesting begins.
Despite their small size, these hummingbirds are bold, inquisitive, and pugnacious, vigorously defending their territories with aggressive displays and chases. Males perform courtship displays to visiting females, flying in U-shaped or figure-eight patterns to attract their attention.
Breeding
The breeding season for the white-throated hummingbird runs from March to June in Costa Rica and Panama. Males court females with elaborate aerial displays in and around their breeding territories before copulation occurs.
The female alone builds the tiny cup-shaped nest out of soft plant down and spider webs on a thin horizontal branch or vine at heights up to 65 feet. She incubates the two pea-sized white eggs for 15-19 days. Once hatched, the chicks are fed regurgitated nectar and insects by the female. They leave the nest at 22-26 days old.
Conservation Status
The white-throated hummingbird has a wide distribution over Central America and across its range is described as fairly common. Its populations are believed stable and the species is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Habitat loss from deforestation remains the major concern.
Unique Characteristics
– Iridescent emerald green plumage – This hummingbird’s bright emerald upperparts appear to shimmer and change color depending on lighting conditions. The iridescent feathers have microscopic layered structures that refract light.
– Specialized bifurcated tongue – A hummingbird’s tongue has two tubular structures for nectar-feeding, one for drawing up liquids via capillary action, the other for catching insects.
– Rapid metabolism – A very high metabolic rate enables hummingbirds to sustain their energetic hovering flight and almost constant feeding. Their heart rate can reach over 1,200 beats per minute.
– Swift flight maneuvers – Hummingbirds like the white-throated can fly forwards, backwards, sideways, straight up and down, and hover in place, the only birds able to do so.
– Bee hummingbird relative – The diminutive bee hummingbird of Cuba, the world’s smallest bird, is the closest living relative to the white-throated hummingbird. Both belong to a group called the bee hummingbirds.
In Summary
With its sparkling emerald green plumage, daring spirit, and remarkable adaptations, the white-throated hummingbird perfectly represents the appeal of hummingbirds. While small, it is full of vigor and personality. This beautiful species brings a special magic to the tropical forests it inhabits. If you have the chance to glimpse a white-throated hummingbird visiting flowers, take a moment to appreciate watching one of nature’s most captivating avian wonders.