Anthracothorax veraguensis
The Veraguan Mango, Anthracothorax veraguensis, is a striking medium-sized hummingbird renowned for its brilliant iridescent plumage. Males typically exhibit a dazzling emerald to coppery-green dorsal surface, a glittering green throat and breast, and a deep velvety black belly, sharply contrasting with a purplish-black, slightly forked tail. Females are similar but with a white central stripe down the breast and belly, bordered by green, and often show white tips on their outer tail feathers...
This species primarily inhabits semi-open country, forest edges, and plantations, often near humid or semi-humid evergreen forests. It is typically found at elevations ranging from near sea level up to about 800 meters.
The diet consists primarily of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by small insects and spiders captured in flight (hawking) or gleaned from foliage.
Veraguan Mangos are active diurnal birds, typically solitary, though they may gather at abundant nectar sources or communal roosts. Males are fiercely territorial, aggressively defending prime feeding territories against other hummingbirds and even larger insects, often engaging in spectacular ae...
The Veraguan Mango's geographic distribution is quite restricted, primarily found in the Pacific lowlands of southwestern Costa Rica and western Panama. Its breeding range extends from the Golfo Dulce region of Costa Rica southeastward through western Panama, specifically across the provinces of ...
Least Concern
- The Veraguan Mango's scientific name, Anthracothorax veraguensis, directly references its "coal-breasted" (Anthracothorax) appearance and its association with the Veraguas region of Panama. - Despite its vivid iridescence, the bird's colors are not due to pigments but rather the structural prop...