The green-throated carib is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae. It is found in Puerto Rico and most of the Lesser Antilles.
Region
Caribbean (Puerto Rico and Lesser Antilles)
Typical Environment
Occurs on Puerto Rico and most of the Lesser Antilles, frequenting forest edges, secondary woodland, coastal scrub, and gardens. It readily uses plantations and flowering ornamental shrubs near settlements. The species ranges from dry lowlands to wetter montane slopes where nectar sources are abundant. It often concentrates where Heliconia, Hibiscus, Erythrina, and other nectar-rich plants bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The green-throated carib is a large Caribbean hummingbird known for its brilliant emerald throat and powerful, buzzing flight. It aggressively defends rich nectar sources and often dominates smaller hummingbirds at flowering trees and feeders. Females build tiny cup nests bound with spider silk on low branches, and the species is present year-round across much of the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico.
Temperament
highly territorial and assertive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering; fast darting flights
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside of breeding and feeding congregations at rich flower patches. Males defend nectar territories vigorously, chasing intruders. Females alone build the nest and rear the young, placing a tiny cup nest of plant down and spider silk on a sheltered branch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp, high-pitched chips and thin trills. The wingbeats produce a loud, continuous hum, especially noticeable during displays and chases.
Plumage
Iridescent and glossy; males show a shimmering green throat and breast with dark bronzy-black upperparts and a bluish sheen on the tail. Females are greener above with grayish underparts and variable green spotting or wash on the sides. Both sexes have a long, slightly decurved bill and a notched to shallowly forked tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and herbs, including Heliconia, Hibiscus, and Erythrina. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or caught in brief aerial sallies, providing essential protein. Individuals may follow traplines or defend a favored set of blossoms when nectar is abundant.
Preferred Environment
Most often seen at forest edges, gardens, and secondary growth with abundant flowering plants. It also visits coastal scrub and plantation areas where ornamental and native nectar sources are concentrated.
