The amethyst-throated mountaingem, also called amethyst-throated mountain-gem or amethyst-throated hummingbird, is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Region
Mesoamerican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from central and southern Mexico south through the highlands of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Prefers humid montane cloud forests, pine–oak woodlands, and forest edges, as well as shaded plantations and flowering gardens at elevation. Typically found along ravines, streams, and clearings where tubular flowers are abundant. Uses secondary growth and edges more frequently than dense interior during nonbreeding periods.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males are named for their brilliant, iridescent amethyst-purple throat, which flashes in sunlight during displays. This highland hummingbird often makes short elevational movements to track flowering peaks and is an important pollinator of montane plants. It vigorously defends rich nectar sources but also takes tiny insects for protein.
Female
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding, with males aggressively defending nectar-rich patches. Courtship involves hovering displays and gorget-flashing. The nest is a small cup of plant fibers and down, bound with spider silk and often decorated with moss or lichens, placed on a horizontal branch or sheltered fork.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include high, thin trills and buzzy chips, given from low perches or during chases. Wing hums and brief mechanical sounds accompany aggressive interactions and display flights.
Plumage
Male with iridescent amethyst-purple throat patch (gorget), dark green upperparts, and grayish underparts with green flanks; distinct white post-ocular stripe. Female lacks the vivid gorget, showing a buffy to grayish throat with fine spotting and overall duller green upperparts. Both sexes show white-tipped tail feathers and a slight dark mask through the eye.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from tubular flowers such as sages, fuchsias, and other montane flora. Defends productive flower patches but also practices short traplining routes. Supplements diet with small arthropods, hawking mid-air or gleaning from foliage and spider webs for protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors within cloud forest and pine–oak zones. Frequently visits flowering shrubs in shaded plantations and high-elevation gardens.
