The Tres Marías hummingbird is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the broad-billed hummingbird. It is endemic to the Islas Marías island group off the west coast of Mexico.
Region
Pacific coast of western Mexico (Islas Marías Archipelago)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the Islas Marías, where it inhabits tropical dry forest, thorn-scrub, second-growth, and plantations. It frequents flowering shrubs and trees along forest edges, arroyos, and in clearings. Birds also visit gardens and disturbed habitats when nectar is abundant. Mangrove margins and coastal scrub may be used opportunistically for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island hummingbird was long treated as a subspecies of the broad-billed hummingbird but is now widely recognized as a distinct species. It is restricted to the Islas Marías off western Mexico, making it especially vulnerable to habitat changes. Males show a vivid blue gorget and a red-based bill with a black tip. Its limited range and small population are the main conservation concerns.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside of breeding, with males defending rich nectar sources aggressively. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights; males do not assist with nesting. Nests are small cups of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on horizontal branches or in shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and buzzy trills, given frequently while foraging or from perches. Males add rapid, twittering series during display and territorial encounters.
Plumage
Male with metallic green upperparts, bright blue throat (gorget), and grayish underparts with white undertail coverts; female duller with green back, grayish-white underparts, and less extensive blue on the throat. Both sexes have relatively long, straight bills with a red base and black tip.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering shrubs and trees such as Salvia, Ipomoea, and other native blooms. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, including gnats and tiny spiders, caught by hawking or gleaning. Will also take sap at sapsucker wells when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, scrubby clearings, arroyos, and in gardens or plantations where flowering plants are concentrated. Often returns repeatedly to productive nectar patches and patrols them against intruders.
