The Puerto Rican emerald, or zumbadorcito de Puerto Rico in Spanish, is species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Puerto Rico.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Endemic to Puerto Rico, it occurs from coastal zones to interior foothills wherever nectar-rich flowers are available. It is especially common in dry coastal scrub, cactus thickets, and open woodland, but also uses secondary growth, coffee plantations, and urban gardens. The species frequents forest edges, roadsides, and hedgerows where tubular flowers are concentrated. It tolerates human-altered landscapes provided there is continuous floral availability and perching cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Puerto Rican emerald is a tiny, iridescent hummingbird found only on the island of Puerto Rico. Males glow a brilliant emerald-green, while females are greener above with grayish underparts and a neat white post-ocular spot. It is adaptable, frequenting native dry forests as well as gardens and parks where flowering shrubs are abundant. Like other hummingbirds, it plays an important role in pollinating a variety of native plants.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting sallies
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding, with males defending small flower-rich feeding territories. Courtship involves chases and vocal/visual displays near favored perches. The nest is a tiny cup of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on a twig or fork a few meters above ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and rapid, buzzy trills, given from exposed perches. Wing hum is audible at close range and intensifies during territorial chases.
