The white-tailed goldenthroat is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae, the mangoes. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern and eastern South America and Trinidad and Tobago
Typical Environment
Occurs from Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil south through much of Brazil to Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, and west into eastern Colombia and Peru; also on Trinidad and Tobago. It favors open lowlands including mangroves, coastal restinga scrub, river margins, seasonally flooded savannas, and edges of woodland. It is often found near flowering shrubs and trees, especially where blossoms are abundant. In drier regions it concentrates around wetlands and riparian vegetation. Local movements follow flowering cycles and water availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small hummingbird of the mango subfamily (Polytminae), the white-tailed goldenthroat is notable for its strikingly white tail and the male’s glittering golden-green throat. It frequents open, lowland habitats such as mangroves, coastal scrub, and savannas, often defending rich nectar sources. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny insects and spiders for protein. It is widespread across northern and eastern South America and on Trinidad and Tobago.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and defends nectar-rich flowers from rivals. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights; males do not assist with nesting. The female builds a small cup nest of plant down and spider silk, usually placed on a low horizontal branch or in shrubbery, and lays two eggs. Pair bonds are brief and outside of breeding it remains loosely solitary.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin tseet and tzip notes delivered singly or in short series, often while perching between feeding bouts. Males may produce rapid, buzzy chips during territorial interactions. Wing hum is audible at close range.
