The green-breasted mountaingem or green-breasted mountain-gem is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Honduras and Nicaragua.
Region
Central American highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests of Honduras and northern Nicaragua, especially in cloud forest, pine–oak forest, and forest edge. Often uses secondary growth, flowering clearings, and shade coffee plantations with abundant shrubs. Common along ravines and stream corridors where nectar sources are concentrated. It forages from midstory to canopy but also descends to gardens when blooms are plentiful.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hummingbird is confined to the highlands of Honduras and northern Nicaragua, where it frequents cloud forests and pine–oak edges. Males have a striking emerald-green breast and aggressively defend rich flower patches. It is an important pollinator of montane plants and often visits shaded coffee farms. Nests are neat mossy cups placed on horizontal branches over streams or along forest edges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering specialist with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically alone or in loose contact while feeding, with males vigorously defending flowering territories. Courtship occurs near rich nectar sources; females build compact cup nests of moss and plant fibers. The female incubates and raises the young without male assistance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and sharp tseet notes given during chases. Males also deliver soft, rapid trills and buzzy sequences from exposed perches near defended flowers.
