Riccordia maugaeus
The Puerto Rican Emerald, *Riccordia maugaeus*, is a diminutive and dazzling hummingbird, endemic solely to the island of Puerto Rico. Measuring approximately 9-10 cm (3.5-3.9 in) in length and weighing a mere 3-4 grams, it is a jewel-like spectacle with a striking iridescent emerald green plumage that shimmers intensely in sunlight. Males are particularly vibrant, displaying a slightly more deeply forked, glossy black tail and a brilliant green gorget, contrasting with their clean white bell...
This hummingbird thrives in a variety of forested habitats across Puerto Rico, from sea level up to higher mountainous elevations, including moist broadleaf forests, dry deciduous forests, coffee plantations, and even urban gardens.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a wide variety of native and introduced flowering plants, supplementing its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
The Puerto Rican Emerald is a highly active and territorial diurnal species, constantly on the move from dawn until dusk, often roosting quietly on a hidden perch during the night. Foraging involves hovering expertly in front of flowers to sip nectar, employing a "trap-lining" strategy where it r...
The Puerto Rican Emerald is a non-migratory, resident species found exclusively throughout the main island of Puerto Rico and occasionally reported from nearby Vieques and Culebra. Its distribution spans across all elevational zones, from sea level coastal plains to the highest peaks of the Centr...
Least Concern
- The Puerto Rican Emerald is the smallest bird species endemic to Puerto Rico, a true avian jewel. - Its heart can beat up to 1,200 times per minute during intense activity, fueling its incredibly high metabolism. - This tiny bird can consume more than half its body weight in nectar daily to sus...