The Hispaniolan mango is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae. It is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.
Region
Greater Antilles (Hispaniola)
Typical Environment
Occurs across most of Hispaniola, including coastal lowlands, foothills, and interior valleys, and on adjacent offshore islands. It frequents forest edges, dry to moist woodland, plantations, mangroves, and urban gardens. The species readily uses flowering trees and shrubs in human-modified landscapes. It is generally common where nectar sources are abundant and perches conspicuously while guarding territories.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large, robust hummingbird is confined to the island of Hispaniola and nearby islets. It is a vigorous defender of flower patches and adapts well to gardens and plantations. Like other hummingbirds, it is an important pollinator of native and ornamental plants. Males and females differ notably in underpart patterning, aiding quick field identification.
Female Antillean mango, Dominican Republic
Temperament
assertive and territorial
Flight Pattern
rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside of breeding and concentrates around rich nectar sources, which individuals defend vigorously. Nests are small cups of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on horizontal branches or human structures. Breeding timing varies locally with flower availability, and females alone incubate and rear the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and sharp tsip notes delivered while foraging or chasing intruders. Males add rapid twittering and insect-like buzzes during displays. Wing hum is audible at close range.
Plumage
Upperparts glossy bronzy-green with an iridescent sheen; males show a dark metallic throat and breast patch, females have pale underparts with a contrasting central dark stripe. Tail is dark and slightly forked, often with pale tips in females. Overall appearance is chunky for a hummingbird, with a slightly decurved bill.
Diet
Takes nectar from a wide variety of native and ornamental flowers, often favoring flowering trees like Erythrina, hibiscus, and other tubular blooms. Also hawks small insects mid-air and gleans spiders and tiny arthropods from foliage to meet protein needs. Individuals vigorously defend rich nectar sources from other hummingbirds and insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in gardens, parks, and plantations where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. Forages from understory to canopy, often returning repeatedly to productive blooms.
