The Veraguan mango is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Panama and recently in Costa Rica. It was considered conspecific with the Green-breasted Mango but was separated due to morphological and geographical differences in 1995.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Primarily along Panama’s Pacific lowlands and foothills, extending locally into northwestern Costa Rica. It favors edges of dry to semi-humid forests, mangrove margins, second growth, and flowering gardens. Birds often concentrate where large trees such as Inga and Erythrina bloom, and they will use urban feeders. It tolerates fragmented landscapes but relies on steady nectar sources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Veraguan mango is a hummingbird of Panama’s Pacific slope, only recently documented expanding into Costa Rica. Formerly lumped with the Green-breasted Mango, it was recognized as a distinct species in the 1990s based on morphology and range. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs and readily visits gardens and feeders. Like other hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering specialist with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and defends rich nectar sources aggressively against other hummingbirds. Courtship is polygynous; males display at favored perches. Nests are tiny cups of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on horizontal branches or sheltered forks at modest heights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chips and chatters, often given during chases around flowers. A simple, thin twitter may be delivered from a perch; wing hum is audible at close range.
Plumage
Glittering green upperparts with contrasting underparts typical of mango hummingbirds. Males show a bright blue‑green throat and breast; females have white underparts marked by a bold dark median stripe and green spotting on the sides. Tail often shows rufous or cinnamon tones at the base with darker tips. Bill is long, slender, and slightly decurved.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, including Inga, Erythrina, and various ornamentals. Also gleans or hawks tiny insects and spiders to meet protein needs, especially during breeding. Will visit hummingbird feeders where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, mangroves, scrub, and in gardens where blooms are abundant. Often uses exposed perches to watch over and defend productive flowering patches.
