The Honduran emerald is a vulnerable species of hummingbird in the "emeralds" tribe, Trochilini, of the subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Honduras.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to Honduras’s interior dry valleys, especially arid thorn-scrub and open deciduous woodland with scattered acacias and cacti. It uses edges of riparian gallery forest and pastures with hedgerows when nectar sources are available. The bird concentrates around flowering shrubs and small trees, moving locally as blooms shift. It tolerates semi-open, lightly disturbed areas but declines where scrub is cleared or heavily grazed.
Altitude Range
150–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Honduran emerald is the only bird species endemic to Honduras, confined to a few interior dry valleys. It favors arid thorn-scrub and open dry forest where flowering shrubs provide nectar year-round. Habitat loss from agriculture and ranching has fragmented its range, leading to a vulnerable conservation status. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remnant dry forest patches and riparian corridors.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, darting maneuvers
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and vigorously defends rich nectar sources against other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups placed on horizontal branches or forks in shrubs and small trees. Breeding pairs are loosely associated for nesting, with the female handling incubation and care of the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched chips and tsit notes while foraging and defending territories. Males produce rapid dry trills and short twittering phrases from low song perches.
