Green-breasted Mango

The Green-breasted Mango, known scientifically as Anthracothorax prevostii, is a hummingbird of striking poise. This species, with its iridescent plumage, measures between 10.3 to 12.1 cm in length and tips the scales at a delicate 5.7 to 7.0 grams.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the Green-breasted Mango boast a metallic bronze-green crown and upperparts, with a velvety black stripe running down their chin and chest, flanked by metallic bluish-green. Their tail feathers shimmer with purple hues. Females, while similar, have less metallic green and their tail feathers are blue-black with a purple base and white tips. Both sexes have a slightly decurved dull black bill.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of lowland tropical landscapes, from semi-open to open environments. These include shrublands, savannas, secondary forests, and mangroves, as well as human-altered areas such as parks and gardens.

Distribution

The Green-breasted Mango is found from eastern Mexico through Central America, and into Colombia and Venezuela. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in the United States.

Behaviour

The Green-breasted Mango is mostly sedentary, though some northern populations migrate to the Pacific slope during the non-breeding season. It is known to forage at all levels of its habitat, from understory to canopy.

Song & Calls

This species is not overly vocal, but its song is a distinctive buzzy repetition of "tsi si-si-si si-si-si," while its calls range from sharp "sip" or "sik" sounds to harsh "chik chik chik" and high, shrill twittering during confrontations.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary geographically, with some regions seeing nesting year-round. The female constructs a cup nest on a horizontal branch or even on man-made structures. Clutch size is typically two eggs, with the female solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing.

Similar Species

The Green-breasted Mango may be confused with other hummingbirds, but its distinctive coloration and vocalizations aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

Nectar and arthropods make up the diet of this hummingbird. It feeds on a variety of flowering plants and is also known to visit sugar water feeders.

Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the Green-breasted Mango as Least Concern, with a large range and no immediate threats identified. It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.