The fiery-throated hummingbird is a small, colorful hummingbird found in the mountainous regions of Costa Rica and western Panama. With its vibrant, fiery red throat and metallic green back, it is one of the most striking hummingbirds in Central America.
Description
The fiery-throated hummingbird measures around 8-9 cm in length and weighs 4-5 grams. The male has distinctive fiery red coloring on its throat, with the lower throat transitioning to a bright teal blue. The upperparts and wings are a shiny metallic green. The tail is black with white tips on the outer tail feathers. The female is similar but has a lighter throat that is more orange than red. Both sexes have a straight black bill and white undersides.
Habitat and Distribution
The fiery-throated hummingbird inhabits mountain forests and woodlands at elevations between 1000-3000 meters. Its range is limited to the Talamancan montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. It occurs on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes of the mountains. Its habitat consists of forest edges, clearings, semi-open areas, and gardens near forested areas.
Food and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the fiery-throated hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers using its long extendable tongue. It favors brightly colored tubular flowers such as those from the Heliconia, Drymonia, and Centropogon plant genera. It also feeds on small insects such as gnats, flies, and spiders to obtain protein and minerals. The fiery-throat often feeds while hovering in front of the flower, using rapid wing beats. It may also perch to feed on longer tubed flowers.
Behavior
The fiery-throated hummingbird is solitary and territorial. Males establish feeding territories which they aggressively defend from intruders through displays and chasing. Their fiery red throats are used as a visual signal to stake their claim on prime nectar feeding sites. Females may be allowed to feed in the territory briefly. Courting males perform aerial displays, flying in U-shaped or figure-eight patterns to impress females.
Breeding
The breeding season for fiery-throated hummingbirds coincides with peak flower availability from February to May. The female builds a small cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, spiderwebs, lichens, and moss on a downward sloping branch. Two white eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 14-19 days. The chicks hatch altricial, with closed eyes and no down. They are fed regurgitated food by the female and fledge at about 20-26 days old.
Conservation Status
The fiery-throated hummingbird has a limited range but is fairly common within its restricted habitat. Its population trend appears to be stable and it is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss from deforestation is a potential threat, as the species is dependent on specialized high elevation forest habitats. The creation of shade-grown coffee and cocoa plantations in Costa Rica that mimic natural forest structure has aided the species by providing additional habitat. As long as some protected forest areas remain, the long-term outlook for the fiery-throated hummingbird looks reasonably secure.
Summary
With its radiant red throat flashing like a small fireball, the fiery-throated hummingbird is aptly named. This beautiful species is endemic to the rugged mountains of Costa Rica and Panama, where it plays out its solitary existence feeding on highland flowers. Though limited in range, the stability of its remaining montane forest habitat should ensure the persistence of this tiny firecracker into the foreseeable future.