Glow-throated Hummingbird

The glow-throated hummingbird, Selasphorus ardens, is a diminutive avian jewel, measuring a mere 7 cm in length. This species is distinguished by its bronzy green upperparts and a striking pinkish red gorget, which is particularly vivid in the adult male. The tail feathers are black with rufous edges, adding to the bird's vibrant appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the glow-throated hummingbird, look for the adult male's pinkish red throat patch, or gorget, and white foreneck. The bird's underparts are a mix of white and buffy to cinnamon with green spangles, and buffy white undertail coverts. The female is similar but has a pale buff throat with grayish speckles, and the tail feathers feature rufous bases, a black band, and buffy tips. Both sexes possess a short, straight, black bill.

Habitat

This hummingbird favors the edges and clearings of Talamancan montane forests, thriving at elevations between 750 and 1,800 meters.

Distribution

Endemic to Panama, the glow-throated hummingbird's presence is confined to the west-central regions, specifically the Chiriquí and Veraguas provinces. Sightings have been recorded from Cerro Colorado and Cerro Flores in Chiriquí, as well as Cerro Tute and the Santa Fé district in Veraguas.

Behaviour

Little is known about the behavior of this elusive bird, including its movement patterns, which remain a mystery to ornithologists.

Breeding

The breeding habits and phenology of the glow-throated hummingbird are yet to be documented.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the glow-throated hummingbird as Endangered. With an estimated population of 2,000 to 12,000 mature individuals, the species faces threats from habitat fragmentation and climate change. Despite its presence in Santa Fé National Park, the bird's habitat is under pressure from agricultural expansion and grazing.