The black-throated mango is a species in subfamily Polytminae of the hummingbird family Trochilidae. It is found in Panama, in every mainland South American country except Chile, and in Trinidad and Tobago.
Region
Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and most of mainland South America
Typical Environment
Occupies lowlands and foothills across much of tropical South America, occurring in open woodlands, forest edges, savannas with scattered trees, mangroves, plantations, and urban parks and gardens. It favors habitats with abundant flowering trees and shrubs and adapts well to secondary growth. Often found near rivers and clearings where nectar sources are concentrated. Local movements follow flower abundance and seasonal resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hummingbird is part of the 'mango' group, known for bold central belly stripes that aid identification. It readily visits flowering trees and garden feeders and often perches conspicuously between feeding bouts. Females alone build the nest and care for the young.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary while foraging; males aggressively defend rich nectar sources from rivals. Courtship includes rapid chases and display flights around perches. The small cup nest of plant down and spider silk is placed on a horizontal branch; the female incubates two eggs and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin chips and buzzy tsit notes from exposed perches. The constant wing hum is audible at close range, and sharp chase calls are delivered during territorial disputes.
Plumage
Upperparts metallic green with an iridescent sheen; male shows a velvety black throat and a black central stripe down the belly bordered by blue‑green; female has white underparts with a bold black central stripe and greenish flanks; tail dark blue to purplish, slightly forked with pale tips in female.
Diet
Nectar from a wide range of flowering trees and shrubs, including Inga, Erythrina, and Heliconia. Supplements with small arthropods captured by aerial sallies or gleaned from foliage, providing essential protein. Frequently visits hummingbird feeders when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, secondary growth, savannas, mangroves, plantations, and urban gardens where flowering plants are abundant. Often uses exposed perches to survey blooms and launch short foraging flights.
