Blue-throated Sapphire
Chlorestes eliciae
Overview
The blue-throated goldentail, also known as the blue-throated sapphire (Chlorestes eliciae), is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. This medium-sized bird is endemic to the Americas, ranging from southern Mexico to western Panama with occasional occurrences in Colombia.
Identification
- Medium-sized body measuring approximately 9 cm in length with a straight, bright coral-red bill featuring a black tip.
- Males display a glittering blue-violet throat, green crown and upperparts, and metallic golden-green tail coverts.
- Females are paler overall with a violet-blue throat mixed with grey buff and duller plumage compared to males.
- Song consists of 5–8 notes beginning with a piercing tseee, followed by single or double notes or short trills.
Habitat
The species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, heavily degraded former forests, second-growth vegetation, and gallery forests. It is found in lowlands and valleys, generally below 1000 m, though records exist at higher elevations in specific locations.
Diet
Primarily nectarivorous, feeding on the flowers of shrubs such as Stachytarpheta and Hamelia, large herbs like Heliconia and Renealmia, and epiphytes. It also consumes small arthropods in minor proportions, though specific foraging behaviours remain under-researched.
Did you know?
The male's vocal song is highly variable, differing significantly between different leks and sometimes within a single lek. It is suspected to breed during the dry season between December and July, but little is currently known about its breeding biology.