Hummingbirds are found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air and fly backwards, thanks to their specialized wings that beat up to 80 times per second. While over 300 hummingbird species exist, only a small handful are native to the island country of Cuba.
Overview of hummingbird species in Cuba
According to ornithological records, only three hummingbird species naturally occur in Cuba: the Cuban emerald, the bee hummingbird, and the Cuban trogon (specifically the subspecies Trogón temnurus).
The Cuban emerald (Chlorostilbon ricordii) is a medium-sized hummingbird found across Cuba, the Isle of Pines, and some cays. The male has glossy green upperparts and whitish underparts, with a straight black bill. Females are slightly duller in color. This species is common in forests, woodlands, mangroves, and gardens.
The bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is the world’s smallest bird. Endemic to Cuba, this tiny hummingbird reaches a length of just 2 inches. The male has iridescent green upperparts and reddish underparts, with a straight, thin bill. Females are similar but have white-tipped tail feathers. This species prefers open habitats with bushes and trees.
The Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus) is a colorful relative of the hummingbird family found in forests across Cuba. The male has a green head, back, and wings, with a white belly and bright yellow tail. Females have a drabber appearance. The Cuban trogon feeds on insects and small lizards.
Origin and evolution of Cuban hummingbirds
Hummingbirds evolved in South America tens of millions of years ago, later dispersing to North America and the Caribbean as the continents drifted apart. Cuba itself formed around 50 million years ago. When this large island broke off from the Yucatán Peninsula, ancestral hummingbirds likely colonized it and evolved into new endemic species.
The Cuban emerald and bee hummingbird both belong to ancient hummingbird lineages that originated in South or Central America. Over time, populations isolated on Cuba diverged significantly from their mainland ancestors. The Cuban trogon is more closely related to Central American trogons but also represents an isolated, island-adapted form.
Ecology and behavior of Cuban hummingbirds
Cuban hummingbirds play an important role as pollinators in their native habitats. Like all hummingbirds, they feed on nectar from colorful, tubular flowers using their long bills and tongues. As they move between flowers, pollen sticks to their bodies and is transferred to the next blossom.
Some Cuban flowers depend completely on hummingbirds for pollination, such as the beautiful red honeysuckle Anisomeris cubana. Other important nectar plants include the trumpet vine Campsis radicans and various Heliconia species.
Male hummingbirds are highly territorial and use specialized courtship displays to attract females. They perform dramatic aerial dances and dive displays, showing off their vibrant plumage. Some species also vocalize with chirps and buzzing sounds.
The tiny bee hummingbird has the fastest wingbeat of any bird, at up to 200 beats per second. This allows it to precisely maintain hovering flight while feeding.
Habitats and ranges of Cuban hummingbirds
Cuba has a diverse range of terrestrial habitats including tropical forests, pine woods, mangrove swamps, and arid scrublands. Different hummingbird species are adapted to specific habitats on the island.
The Cuban emerald occupies a wide range of wooded and semi-open areas up to about 6,500 feet elevation. It is common across the entire main island and Isle of Pines.
In contrast, the tiny bee hummingbird is a specialist of lowland scrub and coastal habitat. It occurs across the western half of Cuba and Isle of Pines.
The Cuban trogon inhabits mature humid forests below 3,000 feet elevation. It ranges throughout the main island but is absent from outlying archipelagos.
Geographic distribution of Cuban hummingbirds
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Cuban emerald | Throughout Cuba and Isle of Pines |
| Bee hummingbird | Western Cuba and Isle of Pines |
| Cuban trogon | Main island of Cuba |
Conservation status of Cuban hummingbirds
None of the Cuban hummingbird species are considered globally threatened. Their populations appear stable within protected areas. However, habitat loss to agriculture and development poses local threats.
The Cuban emerald is still fairly common across its range. The tiny bee hummingbird has a very small global population but occupies remote scrub habitat away from most human pressures. Habitat protection will be important for maintaining healthy populations of both endemic hummingbird species into the future.
The Cuban trogon is declining in some regions due to forest clearance, but remains relatively secure for now. Traditionally it has been hunted for food and trade, which may pose an emerging threat.
Conservation status of Cuban hummingbird species
| Species | Conservation status |
|---|---|
| Cuban emerald | Least concern |
| Bee hummingbird | Least concern |
| Cuban trogon | Near threatened |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cuba is home to three endemic hummingbird species: the widespread Cuban emerald, tiny bee hummingbird, and forest-dwelling Cuban trogon. These unique birds evolved from mainland ancestors that colonized the Caribbean islands tens of millions of years ago. While not currently threatened, habitat preservation will be important for their long-term survival in a rapidly developing country like Cuba.
