Anthracothorax nigricollis
The Black-throated Mango (*Anthracothorax nigricollis*) is a medium-sized, strikingly iridescent hummingbird, known for its bold coloration and often aggressive territorial displays. Males are particularly vibrant, sporting brilliant grass-green upperparts that transition to a deep, velvety black throat and chest, bordered by a distinct white stripe on the flanks. Their belly is dark green, and the tail is a striking rufous-chestnut with a broad black subterminal band and dark tips. Females s...
This species favors semi-open habitats, including forest edges, clearings, savannas, cultivated areas, gardens, and urban parks. It typically occurs at low to mid-elevations, from sea level up to about 1,500 meters.
Their primary diet consists of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small arthropods, including insects and spiders, which they catch in flight or glean from foliage. They may also feed on tree sap.
Black-throated Mangos are diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, often exhibiting crepuscular feeding bouts. They are highly territorial, with males vigorously defending prime feeding patches, such as flowering trees or artificial feeders, from conspecifics and even larger birds. Foraging involves bo...
The Black-throated Mango boasts a wide distribution across tropical and subtropical South America, primarily east of the Andes. Its core breeding and resident range extends from northeastern Colombia and Venezuela, through the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), across much of Brazil, and ...
Least Concern
- The name 'Mango' likely refers to the rich, fruit-like iridescent colors found on species within this genus. - Males are famously aggressive, often chasing away much larger birds from their favored nectar sources, including other hummingbirds and even larger passerines. - They are a common visi...