The green-throated mountaingem or green-throated mountain-gem is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Region
Mesoamerica (southern Mexico to northern Central America)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of southern Mexico (e.g., Chiapas) south through Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, pine–oak edges, and second growth with abundant flowering shrubs. The species readily uses semi-open habitats such as forest edges, clearings, and shade coffee farms where nectar sources are clustered. It is generally local to common where suitable mid- to high-elevation habitats persist.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hummingbird of the highlands shows strong sexual dimorphism: males have a glittering green throat while females are buffier with green speckling. It is an important pollinator of montane shrubs and epiphytes and often defends rich flower patches with surprising vigor. In parts of its range it frequents shade coffee plantations, benefiting from flowering Inga and hedgerows. Mostly sedentary, it may make short upslope or downslope movements following blooms.
Temperament
territorial and assertive around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary when feeding, with males vigorously defending flower patches from rivals and other hummingbirds. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights. The nest is a small cup of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on sheltered branches; the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and buzzy trills, often given during territorial encounters. Males produce rapid series of squeaky notes from exposed perches, interspersed with sharper chase calls.
Plumage
Male with bronzy-green upperparts, a glittering emerald-green throat and upper breast, dusky mask, and clean grayish underparts; often shows white tail corners. Female has green upperparts, a whitish to buff throat with green spotting, and warm cinnamon-buff underparts; both sexes show a bold white post-ocular stripe typical of mountain-gems.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including montane shrubs, epiphytes, and garden or hedgerow plants. Supplements energy intake with small arthropods captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. Will visit feeders when available but prefers natural flower clusters. Territorial behavior concentrates around the richest nectar sources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and flowering hedgerows, as well as within cloud forest understory where blossoms are dense. Frequently uses shade coffee plantations with flowering shade trees and ornamentals.
