The glow-throated hummingbird is an Endangered species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is endemic to a small area of Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the higher elevations of the Azuero Peninsula, primarily around Cerro Hoya and nearby ridgelines. It uses montane cloud forest, elfin forest, and shrubby edges where tubular flowers are abundant. Birds often work along forest gaps, second growth, and wet, mossy thickets rich in epiphytes. The range is extremely localized and fragmented, with habitat conversion to agriculture and ranching as major threats.
Altitude Range
700–1550 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is confined to the high ridges of the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, where it favors flower-rich montane forests. Males show a dazzling, iridescent orange-red throat that seems to glow in certain light. Its extremely small range and ongoing habitat loss place it at serious risk. Conservation focuses on protecting remaining cloud-forest fragments and restoring native flowering plants.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Males defend rich flower patches and display by hovering, fanning tails, and flashing the gorget. Nesting is in a small cup of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on sheltered branches. Clutches are typically two eggs, and the female handles incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and buzzy trills given during foraging and territorial chases. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and display flights may include rapid, insect-like tinkling notes.
Plumage
Iridescent, green-bronze upperparts with rufous-washed flanks and tail; underparts whitish to buffy. Male shows a brilliant, fiery orange-red gorget that flares when he faces the light. Female lacks the full glowing throat, showing a pale throat with fine dusky spotting and more subdued rufous in the tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs, vines, and epiphytes, probing repeatedly and defending productive patches. Also takes small arthropods, hawking them in midair or gleaning from foliage to obtain essential proteins. Selects flowers with high nectar yield and returns to favored routes, especially at peak bloom.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and elfin thickets where blossoms are concentrated. Frequently visits flowering shrubs in moist, moss-laden habitats and along ridge-top trails.
