The green-tailed goldenthroat is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae, the mangoes. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, and possibly Ecuador.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guianas of northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland northern South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, and Bolivia, and possibly Ecuador. It is most frequent along major rivers, on river islands, and in open, shrubby habitats on sandy or gravelly substrates. The species uses white-sand savannas (campinas/campinaranas), restinga-like scrub, and edges of seasonally flooded forests. It can also be found around clearings and secondary growth where nectar sources are plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Amazonian hummingbird, the green-tailed goldenthroat is named for its shimmering green tail and male’s golden-tinged throat. It favors open, sandy riverine habitats and white-sand scrub where flowers are abundant. Males perform rapid shuttle displays and often perch conspicuously between feeding bouts. It is readily told from the similar white-tailed goldenthroat by the lack of white in the tail.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary while foraging and territorial around rich flower patches. Courtship involves fast shuttle flights and display perches by the male. Nest is a small cup of plant down bound with spider silk, typically placed low in shrubs or small trees near open areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and buzzy tsee notes delivered from exposed perches. During displays, males produce rapid, tinkling series and emphatic chip trills. Wing hum is audible at close range.
