The Jamaican mango is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae. It is endemic to Jamaica.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Jamaica in a variety of habitats, including dry limestone forest, moist forest edges, scrub, mangroves, and human-modified areas like gardens and plantations. It frequently forages along forest margins and clearings where flowers are abundant. The species adapts well to suburban settings with ornamental blooms and feeders. It is generally absent only from dense, unbroken interior forest and very high, cool montane zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Jamaican mango is a relatively large hummingbird endemic to Jamaica and a prominent pollinator of many native flowering plants. Males are notably territorial around rich nectar sources, often chasing away other hummingbirds. It readily uses gardens and plantations as well as natural forest edges, making it a familiar species across much of the island. Its rapid wingbeats produce a distinct hum during hovering.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary when foraging, with males vigorously defending flower patches. Courtship involves aerial chases and displays near nectar sources. Nests are small cups of plant down bound with spider silk and decorated with lichens, placed on sheltered branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp, metallic chips and buzzy trills given during foraging or territorial chases. Wing hum is conspicuous at close range and often heard before the bird is seen.
Plumage
Mostly dark and glossy with bronzy-green upperparts and dusky, iridescent green-washed underparts; overall appearance is sleek and uniform with metallic sheen. Tail appears dark with a purplish gloss and is slightly forked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a wide range of native and ornamental flowers, including tree blossoms and shrubs. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders captured in flight or gleaned from foliage, providing essential proteins. Will visit hummingbird feeders where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gardens, parks, and plantations where flowering plants are abundant. Often works a circuit of blossoms (traplining) or defends especially rich patches.
