Fiery-throated Hummingbird
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is a jewel-like species native to the high-altitude cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. Known for its iridescent plumage and dynamic behavior, it is one of the most striking hummingbirds in the region.
Panterpe insignis
Scientific Name
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Family
Apodiformes
Order
Range and Habitat
Geographic Range
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is endemic to the high-altitude forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Migratory Patterns
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is considered non-migratory, largely staying within its high-altitude habitats year-round. However, some short altitudinal movements are observed, particularly during cooler months when food sources at higher elevations become scarce, prompting the birds to move slightly lower in search of nectar-rich plants.
In Costa Rica, these movements are most notable in areas like the Talamanca Range, where the birds descend to more temperate zones.
Preferred Habitat
Favors cloud forests, highland shrublands, and forest edges.
Altitude Range
It inhabits altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 3,800 meters.
Costa Rica Habitat
In Costa Rica, you can find these birds particularly in the highlands of Talamanca Range, Cerro de la Muerte, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (more rare). It thrives in regions with cool temperatures, abundant moisture, and dense vegetation, often seen hovering around flowers at the forest canopy level.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Despite being relatively common within its range, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird is highly dependent on intact cloud forest ecosystems. It is currently listed as Least Concern.
Habitat degradation due to deforestation and climate change poses future risks.
Conservation efforts
Conservation efforts in Costa Rica, particularly within the national parks and reserves, play a vital role in protecting the species’ natural habitat.
Primary Threats
Habitat degradation due to deforestation and climate change poses future risks.
Identification
Fiery-throated Hummingbird
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Approximately 11 cm in length, and weighs around 5 to 6 grams.
Plumage
Metallic green body with shimmering blue on the crown. Its most distinctive feature is the fiery throat, which can display shades of orange, red, yellow, and blue when light hits it at the right angle.
Distinctive Features
It is famous for its stunning iridescent feathers that change color depending on the light. Bill is straight and black, adapted for feeding on nectar.
Sexual Dimorphism
Minimal; males and females look quite similar, though females may be slightly less vibrant.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Fiery-throated Hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar, playing an important role in pollination. It has a particular preference for flowering plants, especially species like bromeliads and fuchsias, and insects: it supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein.
Foraging Techniques
- Its foraging behavior is highly territorial. The bird fiercely defends its feeding territories from other hummingbirds and insects.
Feeding Times
Behavior Patterns
Fiery-throated Hummingbird
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Social Structure
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is an active and fast-flying bird. It often perches on high branches between feeding sessions. Its foraging behavior is highly territorial. The bird fiercely defends its feeding territories from other hummingbirds and insects.
Males use their vibrant throat feathers in courtship displays, which are enhanced by the unique iridescence.Song and Vocalization
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird has a high-pitched, repetitive call, often described as a “tzeet” sound. Though not particularly musical, the calls are used to defend feeding territories and communicate with mates.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Males use their vibrant throat feathers in courtship displays, which are enhanced by the unique iridescence.
Territoriality
Males are highly territorial, aggressively chasing away intruders from their chosen feeding areas.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations
Costa Rica is the best country to observe the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, especially in the high-altitude regions. Top locations include:
- Cerro de la Muerte: One of the premier spots, particularly in the Paramo and cloud forests around 3,000 meters. Look for the bird near flowering plants and feeders in eco-lodges.
- Quetzal National Park: A great place for observing hummingbirds in pristine highland habitats.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Though slightly lower in elevation, Monteverde provides semi-reliable opportunities to spot Fiery-throated Hummingbirds among other species of the highlands.
Best Time of the Year
The highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama have consistent weather patterns and this bird can be seen year round.
Common Behavior
Be patient and watch flowering shrubs, where hummingbirds often return to feed.
Recommended Gear
Bring binoculars with good close-focusing ability to see their iridescent colors in detail. A camera with a fast shutter speed is ideal for capturing their fast movements.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
The breeding season varies depending on the altitude but typically occurs from October to February.
Nesting Sites
Females are responsible for nest construction, usually building a small, cup-shaped nest from plant fibers, moss, and lichens.
Clutch Size
Typically two white eggs.
Incubation Period
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Parental Care
The the female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs. The chicks fledge around 20–25 days after hatching.
Did You Know?
Color Changing Feathers
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird’s iridescent colors are not due to pigmentation but the microscopic structure of the feathers, which reflects light at different wavelengths.
Energy Metabolism
These birds have one of the highest metabolic rates of any animal, with heart rates exceeding 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
Endemic to Costa Rica and Western Panama
Costa Rica and Panama are lucky to be the only countries in the world to host this beautiful bird.
Bees are their friends
The Fiery-throated Hummingbirds depend on Bees and the common Slaty-Flowerpiercer to produce holes in epiphytic flowers. The opportunistic hummingbirds use the holes to feed on nectar.
Fiercely territorial
Despite their small size, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird is serious about its feeding territory. Both male and females patrol their grounds and won’t hesitate to chase off not just other hummingbirds but also larger highland birds.
Like the nightlife
While most hummingbirds will cease feeding about 15 minutes before sunset, the Fiery-throated doesn’t mind the darkening skies. They will continue to feed for 15-30 minutes after the sun sets.
Not the top vocalists of the highlands
This species does not have a true, identifying song. They squeak and call in a combination of buzzy clicks and high pitched squeaks and snaps. They are sometimes confused with Manikins. Both sexes will chitter rapidly when their feeding territory is being invaded.
Smart Builders
The Fiery-Billed Hummingbird uses sticky spider webs to secure their nests, making them strong and resilient to weather. They also decorate the outside with moss and lichen to disguise the nest and hide their eggs and chicks from predators.