The white-throated mountaingem or white-throated mountain-gem is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Costa Rican and Panamanian Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, especially along edges, clearings, and second-growth with abundant flowering shrubs. It frequents oak–laurel forests, forest roadsides, and highland gardens, and readily visits native and ornamental flowers. Shade coffee and disturbed habitats with rich bloom can also be used. The species often tracks seasonal flowering within the highlands and uses perches to watch and defend nectar sources.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This highland hummingbird is endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Males show a striking white throat above a chestnut belly, while females have warmer buff underparts and a bold pale eye-stripe. It fiercely defends flower patches and is an important pollinator of montane plants.
Male
Female
Temperament
territorial and energetic
Flight Pattern
rapid hover with short, darting flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary at flowers; males vigorously defend flowering shrubs and trees against other hummingbirds. Nests are small cups placed on horizontal branches or sheltered forks, often near streams or along forest edges. Pairs are seasonal, with the female solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and buzzy tseet notes, delivered from exposed perches. Males also produce short, dry trills and chatters during territorial encounters.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a contrasting face pattern; males have a crisp white throat above a chestnut to rufous belly and dark mask, females show buffy to cinnamon underparts with strong pale supercilium. Tail often shows narrow pale tips and slight white corners. Overall appearance is compact with a straight, slender bill typical of mountain-gems.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs, vines, and epiphytes, including native highland plants. It supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, hawking them in mid-air or gleaning from foliage. This mixed diet provides essential proteins, especially during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and flowering hedgerows where blossoms are concentrated. It also visits high-elevation gardens and shade coffee with abundant blooms and perches.
