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.
Plumage
Bright metallic-green upperparts with glittering tones; males show a brilliant sapphire-blue throat (gorget) and bronzy to golden-tinged tail. Females are greener below with whitish throat and green spotting, lacking the full blue glow. Both sexes have a straight, slender bill and compact, sleek plumage typical of hummingbirds.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including mangrove blossoms and ornamental shrubs such as Hamelia and Heliconia. It supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, hawking them in short sallies or gleaning from foliage. Feeding territories are defended when floral resources are concentrated.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along mangrove edges, coastal scrub, forest edges, and gardens where flowering plants are abundant. Often chooses perches that overlook rich nectar patches for quick foraging and defense.
