What hummingbird has a black throat?

Hummingbirds are known for their vibrant, iridescent plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. With over 300 different species, hummingbirds come in a dazzling array of colors. However, some species stand out for their particularly striking throat feathers.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is one of the most widespread and familiar hummingbird species in North America. As their name suggests, male ruby-throated hummingbirds have a patch of iridescent red feathers on their throat that appears black in certain lights. This ruby red gorget flashes brilliantly in the sun, standing out against the hummingbird’s otherwise green plumage.

During the breeding season, male ruby-throats use their dazzling throat patch to attract females. They perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in U-shaped patterns to show off their throats. The vibrant gorget is thought to signal the male’s fitness. After mating, the female ruby-throat is solely responsible for building the nest, incubating the eggs, and raising the chicks.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds breed across Eastern North America and migrate to Central America for the winter. Though small—weighing only 2-6 grams—they are feisty and territorial. Ruby-throats get their name from the distinctive raspy chirps and squeaks they use to defend their feeding grounds.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Closely related to the ruby-throat is the black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri). The male black-chin sports a shimmering purple throat with a black lower border. This species breeds in western North America and migrates south to Mexico for winter.

During courtship displays, male black-chins showcase their namesake black chins by tilting their heads back. Like the ruby-throat, females do all the nesting and parenting alone. Both males and females feed on flower nectar and small insects.

Black-chinned hummingbirds are extremely territorial. They will chase away other hummingbirds, and even large birds, that encroach on their habitat. Their metallic buzzing call serves to announce their presence and ward off intruders.

Blue-throated Hummingbird

Native to the pine-oak forests of Mexico and Central America, the dazzling blue-throated hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae) sports iridescent azure gorget feathers. When the light hits just right, their throats burst into a rainbow of electric blue, purple, and green.

During mating season, male blue-throats perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. They fly in pendulum arcs, crossing back and forth while rotating their tails. At the climax, they hover in front of the female with their bright blue throats prominently displayed.

In addition to nectar, blue-throated hummingbirds favor insects and spiders to fuel their high metabolisms. Their long, specialized beaks and tongues allow them to retrieve nectar from flowers that other pollinators cannot access.

Violet-throated Metaltail

One of the few hummingbird species found at high elevations in the Andes Mountains, the violet-throated metaltail (Metallura baroni) is named for its sparkling violet throat plumage. Males of this species have a distinctive white spot behind their eyes.

Violet-throated metaltails inhabit cloud forests at altitudes between 6,500-11,500 feet. Their predators include falcons, flycatchers, and flowerpiercers. To avoid being eaten, metaltails are speedy, erratic fliers that are difficult to track.

Violet-throated metaltails subsist primarily on nectar from tropical flowers such as fuchsias and lilies. Their long, curved bills allow them to probe into flowers with deep corollas. These energetic hummingbirds play an important role in pollinating high elevation plants.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

True to its name, the violet-crowned hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps) sports a brilliant violet crown that looks black in certain lighting. They aremedium-sized hummingbirds with emerald green backs and bellies.

Native to Mexico and Central America, violet-crowned hummingbirds thrive in tropical habitats along the Pacific slope. Males utilize their vibrant crowns to attract mates. They perform courtship flights, climbing up and diving down repeatedly to show off their plumage.

Violet-crowned hummingbirds have adapted to habitats disturbed by logging and agriculture. They play an important ecological role by pollinating and dispersing the seeds of tropical flowering plants.

Green-crowned Brilliant

One of the most dazzling Neotropical hummingbirds, the aptly named green-crowned brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) is easily identified by its iridescent golden-green crown. Its throat sports bright white plumes tipped with chestnut brown.

Green-crowned brilliants inhabit the understory of rainforests in Panama, Colombia, and northern South America. Males display their resplendent crowns during breeding season to attract females.

These medium-sized hummingbirds have a reputation for aggression. They fiercely defend flowering plants along their feeding routes. With their sharp bills, green-crowned brilliants can inflict significant wounds on intruding hummingbirds.

Hooded Visorbearer

The male hooded visorbearer (Augastes lumachella) stands out for its distinctive black hood, rufous plumage, and brightly striped throat patch. Endemic to eastern Brazil, it inhabits humid lowland and montane forests.

When feeding on nectar, the hooded visorbearer places its entire head inside flowers with wide openings. This allows it to access more nectar while pollinating the plant. Males display their throat stripes during energetic courtship flights to attract females.

Due to habitat loss across its limited range, the striking hooded visorbearer is considered near-threatened. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect critical rainforest habitat and connect fragmented populations of this unique hummingbird.

Coppery-throated Hummingbird

One of the larger Andean hummingbird species, the aptly named coppery-throated hummingbird (Eriocnemis cupreoventris) sports a distinctive orange throat patch. Its plumage is primarily green with a blue-tipped black tail.

This species breeds in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia between 10,000-14,000 feet elevation. It favors mountain meadows and cloud forest openings rich with flowering plants. Males perform aerial displays during the breeding season to attract females.

With its long bill adapted for high altitude flowers, the coppery-throated hummingbird plays a key role in pollinating plants in the Andean Páramo. Ongoing habitat loss is considered the main threat to this range-restricted species.

Amethyst-throated Hummingbird

Distinguished by its glittering purple throat, the aptly named amethyst-throated hummingbird (Calliphlox amethystina) is a Brazilian endemic. Its plumage is otherwise metallic green above and gray below.

The male’s vibrant gorget is on full display during breeding season as he performs a pendulum courtship flight to attract females. Unfortunately, habitat loss in its limited range has caused the amethyst-throated hummingbird to decline significantly.

This species is now considered near-threatened by extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining habitat and identify key corridors that could connect isolated populations of this unique hummingbird.

Buff-tailed Coronets

A group of three similar hummingbird species, the buff-tailed coronets of South America have distinctive white tail tips and throats speckled with colorful patches. These include:

• Buff-tailed sicklebill (Eutoxeres condamini) – Green above with a blue-dotted red throat patch
• Buff-tailed coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) – Bluish-green above with a yellow throat patch
• Rufous-bearded sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila) – Green above with a rusty throat patch

The males of all three species perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in pendulum arcs to show off their colorful throat feathers and buff-tipped tails. These forest hummingbirds play important roles pollinating tropical flowering plants across South America.

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

One of the largest hummingbird species, the aptly named swallow-tailed hummingbird (Eupetomena macroura) is identified by its deeply forked, elongate tail feathers. Males have a vibrant blue crown and throat.

Endemic to eastern Brazil, swallow-tailed hummingbirds inhabit humid lowland forests. Their long, specialized beaks allow them to access nectar from curved flowers. Males perform dramatic display dives during courtship.

Habitat loss has caused significant population declines for this species. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect remaining old growth rainforest habitat critical for the swallow-tailed hummingbird’s survival.

Summary

Hummingbirds display incredible variation in their throat plumage, spanning the color spectrum from ruby red and vibrant blue to coppery orange and violet. Males of many species use specialized throat feathers to attract mates with elaborate courtship displays. These hummingbirds play vital ecological roles as pollinators of tropical flowering plants.

Unfortunately, habitat destruction poses serious threats for some of these uniquely adorned species. Targeted conservation efforts are needed to protect critical forest habitat and promote connections between fragmented populations. With care and stewardship of fragile ecosystems, we can ensure the dazzling display of hummingbirds and their specialized throat plumage persists.