The sapphire-throated hummingbird is a shiny metallic-green hummingbird found in Panama, Colombia, and more recently Costa Rica. The sapphire-throated hummingbird is separated into three subspecies; Chrysuronia coeruleogularis coeruleogularis, Chrysuronia coeruleogularis coelina, and Chrysuronia coeruleogularis conifis.
Region
Central America and northwestern Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Caribbean and Pacific lowlands of Panama into adjacent northwestern Colombia, with a recent natural expansion into southern Costa Rica. It is most often found in mangrove forests, coastal scrub, and tropical lowland forest edges. The species also uses second-growth, plantations, and gardens where flowering shrubs are abundant. It favors areas with a steady supply of tubular flowers and perches near nectar sources to defend them.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males are noted for a vivid sapphire-blue throat patch that flashes in good light, contrasting with their metallic-green body. The species frequents mangroves and coastal lowlands and has recently expanded its range into Costa Rica from Panama. Like many hummingbirds, it defends rich nectar sources aggressively and supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Male, Panama
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Males often defend flowering shrubs and trees, chasing intruders with swift chases and display flights. Courtship includes hovering displays near the female’s perch. The female builds a tiny cup nest of plant down and spider silk on a slender branch and alone incubates and feeds the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills given from exposed perches or while feeding. The rapid hum of the wings is also conspicuous at close range.
