Abeillia abeillei
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird (Abeillia abeillei) is a diminutive and striking member of the hummingbird family, typically measuring 7-8 cm (2.8-3.1 inches) in length and weighing a mere 2.5-3.5 grams. Males are particularly stunning, sporting an iridescent emerald-green throat that extends from the chin to the upper breast, contrasting with dark metallic green upperparts and a distinct white stripe behind the eye. Their flanks are dull rufous, and the belly is blackish, culminating in a da...
Found primarily in moist evergreen, pine-oak, and cloud forest edges, often favoring humid ravines. They typically inhabit elevations between 900-2,200 meters (3,000-7,200 feet).
Their diet consists mainly of nectar from small flowers, particularly those found on epiphytes, shrubs, and trees. They also supplement their nectar intake by catching small insects and spiders, often hawking them in mid-air or gleaning them from foliage.
Emerald-chinned Hummingbirds are diurnal, spending their active hours foraging in the understory and mid-story of dense forests, and roosting discreetly within dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy often involves 'traplining,' where they visit a regular circuit of favored flowering plan...
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is a resident species primarily found in the mountainous regions of southern Mexico, extending through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and into Nicaragua. Its distribution follows the Pacific slope and interior highlands of Central America. Within Mexico, it is n...
Least Concern
- The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is the sole species in its genus, *Abeillia*, making it a truly unique lineage. - Its scientific name, *abeillei*, honors the French ornithologist Léon Abeillé. - Despite its iridescent plumage, its small size and preference for dense forest understory make it su...