Green-throated Mountaingem

The Green-throated Mountaingem, known scientifically as Lampornis viridipallens, is a diminutive and vibrant species of hummingbird. This avian jewel measures between 11 to 12 cm in length and tips the scales at approximately 5.4 grams. Both sexes boast a straight, ebony bill, a distinctive white postocular stripe above a dark cheek, and a subtly forked tail, adding to their delicate allure.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the species are adorned with green upperparts, a bronzy rump, and bluish-black uppertail coverts. Their central tail feathers are a stark black, contrasting with the pale gray of the remaining feathers. The throat shimmers with white and bluish-green spots, while the breast remains pure white. The belly is a soft grayish hue with green spots adorning the sides and flanks, and the undertail coverts are a dusky gray. Females, on the other hand, display emerald green upperparts and an unspotted white throat, sharing the rest of the male's coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but feature a pale buffy throat.

Habitat

The Green-throated Mountaingem is a denizen of the interior and fringes of humid evergreen and pine-oak forests, thriving in a range of elevations from 900 to 2,700 meters.

Distribution

This species is found across various regions, with subspecies distributed as follows: L. v. amadoni in southeastern Oaxaca, Mexico; L. v. ovandensis in Chiapas, Mexico, and northwestern Guatemala; L. v. viridipallens in eastern Guatemala, extreme northern El Salvador, and western Honduras; and L. v. nubivagus in western El Salvador's Santa Ana Volcano.

Behaviour

The Green-throated Mountaingem is a sedentary bird, content with its lush highland realms and showing no inclination for long-distance travel.

Song & Calls

The suspected song of this species is a complex tapestry of squeaky notes and buzzy, gurgling trills, reminiscent of a miniature symphony in the forest canopy. Calls include a hard, buzzy 'zzrrt', a short 'tsik', and a high-pitched, thin 'see'.

Breeding

Breeding activities have been observed in March, April, June, and July, though much of the species' reproductive habits remain shrouded in mystery.

Similar Species

While there are no detailed accounts of similar species for comparison, the Green-throated Mountaingem's unique coloration and habitat preferences aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

The Green-throated Mountaingem forages for nectar throughout the forest strata, supplementing its diet with insects caught in flight.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Green-throated Mountaingem as Least Concern. Despite an unknown and possibly declining population, no immediate threats loom large. The bird is generally common within its range, with some populations residing in protected areas. However, it faces habitat loss due to deforestation and may not adapt well to anthropogenic landscapes.