What is a green hummingbird with an orange bill?

Hummingbirds are known for their small size, rapid wing beats, and ability to hover in midair. They are found only in the Americas. While most hummingbird species have iridescent throats or crowns, some have distinctive bill colors as well. A green hummingbird with an orange bill is likely to be one of two similar central American species: the Rivoli’s hummingbird or the talamanca hummingbird. Both inhabit humid broadleaf and pine-oak forests in parts of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. This article will explore the identification, range, habitat, diet, and other details about these unique hummingbirds. Properly identifying them requires a close look at several key field marks.

Distinguishing Physical Features

The Rivoli’s hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) and the talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) are very similar in appearance. They are medium-sized hummingbirds, measuring 3.5-4 inches in length. Their backs and wings are metallic green in color. The most obvious distinguishing feature is the bright orange bill of the adult male. Females of both species have darker, duller beaks. The orange coloration starts near the base of the bill and extends all the way to the tip. Another key identifier is the tail pattern. Rivoli’s hummingbirds have a forked tail with a wide black subterminal band. Talamanca hummingbirds have a slightly notched tail with no distinct band. The talamanca also has more colorful underparts, with a blue-green throat and belly compared to the grey-white underparts of the Rivoli’s. Females are more difficult to differentiate, as they lack the bold tail patterns and orange bills of the males. They are generally greener below for talamancas and whiter for Rivoli’s.

Range and Habitat

The Rivoli’s hummingbird is found from southeastern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, and western Honduras. The talamanca hummingbird occupies a smaller region mainly in south-central Costa Rica and western Panama. There is a sizable overlap in their ranges in Guatemala and nearby areas. These hummingbirds occur at middle elevations in the mountains, from around 2500-6000 ft. Their breeding habitat is humid broadleaf forest and pine-oak woodlands. They are also found in adjacent clearings, forest edges, and coffee plantations. The flowering plants and nectar sources in these diverse forests provide the food they need.

Behavior and Diet

As with most hummingbirds, the Rivoli’s and talamanca hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from colorful tubular blossoms. They use their specialized long bills and tongues to drink the nectar while hovering at the flowers. The orange bill is an adaptation that complements the red, orange, and yellow blossoms where they like to feed. These include flowers from plants in the mango, mint, and verbena families, along with many others. The hummingbirds also capture small insects and spiders to obtain proteins, vitamins, and minerals missing from their nectar diet. They supplement this by consuming tree sap or a sweet substance that oozes from holes drilled by woodpeckers. Males of both species are aggressive in defending their flower and tree sap feeding territories. Their habitat overlaps with other hummingbird species, leading to occasional competitive interactions at food sources.

Breeding

The breeding season for these hummingbirds corresponds with the peak flower bloom from about March to May. As part of their courtship ritual, males perform elaborate aerial displays to impress females. Once paired, the female constructs a small cup-shaped nest out of plant down, lichen, and spider webs on a low horizontal branch. She lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them for 15-19 days. The chicks hatch with their eyes sealed shut and minimal feathering. They develop quickly though, and leave the nest about 20-25 days after hatching. The female cares for and feeds the chicks, while the male plays no role in raising the young. Most hummingbirds have two broods during the breeding season. After leaving the nest, the young hummingbirds face high mortality from predators as they learn to fly and fend for themselves. Those that survive may live for 5 to 10 years.

Status and Threats

Neither the Rivoli’s hummingbird nor the talamanca hummingbird are considered globally threatened species at this time. Their populations appear stable, and they utilize a range of mountain forest habitats. However, they do face some substantial threats common to Central American highland birds. These include habitat loss from logging and land conversion for agriculture. Climate change poses a threat if warming temperatures and drought alter their specialized montane environment. Expanding coffee plantations provide more open areas for feeding but also expose the hummingbirds to pesticides. Introduced diseases or competitors could also potentially impact native hummingbirds. Careful monitoring of populations will be necessary to ensure the conservation of these magnificent species.

Key Facts

Rivoli’s Hummingbird

Talamanca Hummingbird

Conclusion

The Rivoli’s hummingbird and talamanca hummingbird showcase the astonishing diversity of hummingbirds found in the mountains of Central America. While they can be challenging to tell apart, their orange bills, green backs, specialized habitat preferences, and energetic behaviors offer intriguing glimpses into their lives. Ensuring healthy montane forests remain intact will be key for preserving these tropical jewels into the future. By understanding more about unique birds like these, we deepen our appreciation for nature’s masterpiece.