The black head white collar hummingbird, scientifically known as Anthracothorax nigricollis, is a species of hummingbird found in Central America. Some key facts about this bird include:
Identification
The black head white collar hummingbird gets its name from its distinctive plumage. The adult males have a velvety black head, white collar around the neck, dark green back and belly, and a deeply forked black tail. Females lack the black head and white collar, instead having a pale gray head, green back, and pale belly with green spots on the throat.
Both sexes have a straight black bill and white patches behind the eyes. Juveniles resemble adult females. The black head white collar hummingbird measures 7–8 cm in length and weighs around 3–4 grams.
Range
The black head white collar hummingbird is found in tropical regions of Central America. Its range extends from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Within this region, it occupies a variety of habitats including forest edges, plantations, gardens, and parks. It is generally found in semi-open areas and forest clearings from sea level up to 1200 m elevation.
Behavior
The black head white collar hummingbird has solitary habits outside of the breeding season. During the breeding season, males are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding territories against intruders.
Females, on the other hand, are more social and may feed in loose flocks. Like all hummingbirds, the black head white collar hummingbird is able to hover in mid-air and fly backwards as well as forwards. It feeds mainly on nectar taken from a variety of brightly colored, tubular flowers.
Breeding
The breeding season of the black head white collar hummingbird varies across its range but generally coincides with the wet season. In Costa Rica, breeding takes place between July and September. The male performs aerial displays to court females, including flying in repeated U-shaped patterns.
Once paired, the female builds a small cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, lichens, and spider webs on a low branch or tree fork 2-6 m above ground. She lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them alone for 15-19 days. The chicks fledge after 20-26 days.
Conservation
The black head white collar hummingbird has a very large range and is described as common in some areas. The IUCN Red List categorizes this species as Least Concern. Habitat loss is the major threat, but its adaptability allows it to utilize human-altered environments. Overall populations are believed to be stable.
Fun Facts
– To conserve energy, the black head white collar hummingbird enters a hibernation-like state called torpor at night and other times when food is scarce. Its metabolism slows to a fifteenth of its normal rate.
– The species name “nigricollis” is Latin for “black necked,” referring to the male’s distinctive black head and collar.
– Like all hummingbirds, the black head white collar hummingbird has unique wing mechanics that allow it to fly like helicopters and hover in midair while feeding.
– The straight bill of this species sets it apart from hummingbirds with curved bills adapted for specific flower shapes. The black head white collar hummingbird can feed from many different flowers.
– Hummingbirds have the fastest heart rate and highest metabolism of any homeothermic animal. The black head white collar hummingbird’s heart can beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
Conclusion
In summary, the black head white collar hummingbird is a small but distinctive tropical hummingbird identified by its black and white plumage. A territorial but common species found in a range of semi-open habitats in Central America, it feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers. With its unique adaptations for hovering flight, this energetic and resilient bird continues to thrive across its natural range.
| Scientific name | Anthracothorax nigricollis |
|---|---|
| Other common names | Black-throated mango, Mexican sheartail |
| Range | Southern Mexico to Costa Rica |
| Habitat | Forest edges, parks, plantations |
| Length | 7-8 cm |
| Weight | 3-4 g |
| Wingspan | 9-10 cm |
| Status | Least Concern |
Appearance
The black head white collar hummingbird displays dramatic sexual dimorphism. Adult males have:
- Velvety black head and throat
- White collar around neck
- Dark green back
- Green belly
- Deeply forked black tail
- Straight black bill
- White patches behind eyes
Females lack the black and white markings, instead having:
- Pale gray head
- Green back
- Pale green belly with spotting on throat
- Pale tail with white tips
- Straight black bill
- White patches behind eyes
Juveniles resemble adult females.
Distinctive Features
– Black head and neck of adult males
– White collar on adult males
– Deeply forked tail of males during display flights
– Straight black bill
Behavior
The black head white collar hummingbird displays some notable behaviors:
Feeding
– Feeds mainly on nectar from flowers using long extendable tongue
– Favorites include salvia, honeysuckle, and passionflower
– Also eats small insects for protein
– Has adaptations like directional flight control and reversible wings that allow hovering and access to different flowers
Breeding
– Breeding tied to wet season (July-September in Costa Rica)
– Elaborate aerial displays by competing males to attract females
– Females build tiny cup nests out of plant fibers and spider webs on low branches
– Two white eggs incubated for 15-19 days
– Chicks fledge after 20-26 days
Vocalizations
– Sharp, squeaking call made in flight
– Males produce buzzing sounds with wings during display dives
– High-pitched squeaks used to signal aggression towards intruders
Torpor
– Enters energy-saving torpor state at night to conserve energy
– Metabolism slows to 1/15th normal rate
Habitat and Range
Range
The black head white collar hummingbird occupies a broad range in Central America:
- Southern Mexico
- Guatemala
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
Habitat
Found in a variety of semi-open to open environments including:
- Forest edges
- Open woodlands
- Parks and gardens
- Plantations
- Scrublands
Generally occurs at elevations up to 1200 m.
Migration
The black head white collar hummingbird is non-migratory and remains in its breeding range year-round. Some seasonal movements may occur following flower availability.
Diet and Feeding
The diet of the black head white collar hummingbird consists of:
Nectar
– Primary food source
– Feeds using long extendable tongue from a variety of flowers
– Favored flowers include salvia, honeysuckle, and passionflower
– Energy obtained from sugar-rich nectar
Insects
– Small insects also eaten such as spiders, flies, and aphids
– Provides essential amino acids and protein
Feeding Adaptations
Specializations for nectar-feeding include:
– Precise directional flight control, allowing hovering in front of flowers
– Reversible wings to switch instantly between forward and backward flight
– Curled tongue that extends up to 13 cm to reach nectar
– Ability to enter torpor to conserve energy overnight
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Breeding Season
– Timed to correspond with peak flower abundance from wet season
– In Costa Rica: breeding July to September
Courtship
– Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in U-shaped patterns repeatedly to attract females
– Males chase females and produce buzzing sounds with their wings
Nesting
– Female builds small cup nest 2-6 m high on branch using fibers, lichens, and spider silk
– Nest about 5 cm wide and 2 cm deep
Eggs
– Female lays 2 tiny white eggs
– Incubated for 15-19 days
Chicks
– Chicks hatch with closed eyes and little to no feathers
– Fed regurgitated food by female
– Fledge after 20-26 days
| Breeding season | Timed to wet season |
|---|---|
| Clutch size | 2 eggs |
| Incubation period | 15-19 days |
| Fledging period | 20-26 days |
| Nest height | 2-6 m high |
| Nest materials | Fibers, lichens, spider silk |
Conservation Status
- Least Concern on IUCN Red List
- Has extremely large range across Central America
- Common to abundant in some protected areas
- Able to adapt to human-altered habitats like gardens and parks
- Major threat is habitat loss, but high resilience to disturbance
Populations appear to be stable currently. Ongoing habitat preservation is important for long-term conservation.
