Green-tailed Goldenthroat

Polytmus theresiae

Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae

Wikimedia Commons

green small tropical forest urban year-round common widespread

About the Green-tailed Goldenthroat

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat, Polytmus theresiae, is a striking member of the hummingbird family Trochilidae, primarily found in the lush landscapes of South America. Its vibrant plumage and distinctive golden throat make it a remarkable presence among the dense foliage of its habitat. Although not as widely recognized as some of its relatives, this species plays a crucial role in the pollination networks within its ecosystem. Its presence is most notable in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia, where it frequents both the lowland tropical forests and savanna-like Cerrado regions.

The significance of the Green-tailed Goldenthroat extends beyond its beauty. As a key pollinator, it contributes to the reproduction of various flowering plants, thereby supporting the biodiversity of its environment. The bird's ecological role emphasizes the interconnectedness of species and highlights the importance of maintaining healthy habitats. Seasonal behaviors further underscore its adaptability; during dry spells, it shifts to areas with abundant flowering plants, ensuring a continuous food supply.

This species is not particularly migratory, but it exhibits some local movement in response to food availability and climatic conditions. Its adaptability to different habitats, from dense forests to open savannas, allows it to thrive in a variety of settings. During the breeding season, the Green-tailed Goldenthroat becomes more vocal and territorial, which can make it easier to observe despite its generally elusive nature.

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live average 3-5 years with a maximum recorded of 9 years..

How to Identify a Green-tailed Goldenthroat

Adult Green-tailed Goldenthroats are easily identified by their brilliant green upperparts and the striking golden hue of their throats, which glimmer in sunlight. The underparts are a contrasting pale gray, while the tail feathers exhibit a greenish iridescence that can appear almost metallic under certain lighting. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females may have slightly duller plumage. Juveniles are less vibrant, with a more muted palette that lacks the full intensity of the adult coloration.

Distinguishing this species from similar hummingbirds involves close attention to its unique coloration and size. At about 10 cm in length, the Green-tailed Goldenthroat is relatively small, even for a hummingbird. Its flight silhouette is characterized by rapid wingbeats and agile maneuvers, typical of the Trochilidae family. When perched, its posture is upright, often with the tail slightly fanned, showcasing its greenish sheen.

Potential confusion might arise with other green-throated hummingbirds, but the golden throat and specific habitat preferences help in accurate identification. Observers should note the bird's distinctive feeding habits and the specific type of flowers it frequents, which can further aid in distinguishing it from other species.

Having trouble telling birds apart? Upload a photo to our bird identification tool for an instant species match.

Green-tailed Goldenthroat Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat favors humid environments, primarily inhabiting tropical and subtropical lowland forests. It is commonly found in regions such as the Amazon Basin, where dense vegetation provides ample feeding opportunities. Additionally, it frequents savannas and the edges of forest clearings, where flowering plants are abundant.

This species occupies an elevation range from sea level up to around 1000 meters, adapting to various microhabitats within this range. While predominantly rural, it occasionally ventures into suburban gardens, particularly those with rich floral diversity. Urban environments are less appealing, mainly due to the lack of suitable feeding sites.

Seasonal shifts in habitat are minimal but do occur, driven primarily by the availability of flowering plants. During dry seasons or droughts, the Green-tailed Goldenthroat may move to wetter areas or regions where horticultural activities provide consistent nectar sources.

Geographic Range

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat's range extends across several South American countries, with notable populations in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and parts of Peru and Bolivia. It thrives in the Amazon Basin, where the climate and vegetation support its feeding and breeding needs.

While not a migratory species, it does exhibit some nomadic tendencies, especially in response to changes in food resources. In regions like the Brazilian Cerrado, it may move locally to track blooming cycles of certain plant species. This behavior creates a patchy distribution, with denser populations in areas of optimal conditions.

Despite its limited range, the Green-tailed Goldenthroat is relatively widespread within its preferred habitats, although population densities can vary significantly. Hotspots of abundance typically coincide with regions where the climate remains stable and human impact is minimal, ensuring a steady supply of nectar-producing flora.

Want to know which birds visit your area? Browse our backyard birds by location guides for region-specific species lists.

What Does the Green-tailed Goldenthroat Eat?

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat primarily feeds on nectar, which it extracts from a variety of tubular flowers. This diet is supplemented by small insects and spiders, providing essential proteins. Seasonal changes influence its diet, with a marked increase in insect consumption during breeding periods.

Foraging involves a combination of hovering and perching techniques. The bird uses its slender bill to access deep flower corollas, often visiting flowering trees and shrubs in rapid succession. It prefers blooms with high sugar content, which provide the energy necessary for its active lifestyle.

Prey size for its insect diet tends to be small, typically focusing on tiny flies and aphids. Feeding schedules vary throughout the day, with peaks during early morning and late afternoon when floral nectar is most abundant. This timing also reduces competition with other nectarivores.

Green-tailed Goldenthroat Behavior and Social Structure

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat displays a solitary nature, often seen alone or in loose association with other hummingbirds, particularly in rich feeding areas. Territorial behavior is prominent during the breeding season, with males aggressively defending feeding and nesting sites from intruders.

Courtship involves elaborate aerial displays, where males perform swooping flights and vocalizations to attract females. Once paired, the female assumes primary responsibility for nest building and rearing chicks, although males may occasionally assist in territorial defense.

In response to predators, this species exhibits swift, evasive flight tactics. It typically remains active throughout the day, with activity peaks aligning with feeding times. At night, it enters a torpor state to conserve energy, reducing its metabolic rate significantly.

Green-tailed Goldenthroat Nesting and Reproduction

The nesting habits of the Green-tailed Goldenthroat involve constructing a small cup-shaped nest, often situated on a horizontal branch or within dense foliage. The female uses plant fibers, spider webs, and lichen to create a secure structure, camouflaging it effectively among the leaves.

Clutch size typically consists of two white eggs. The incubation period lasts about 14-16 days, during which the female remains attentive, leaving the nest only briefly to feed. After hatching, the chicks are altricial, requiring intensive care and feeding.

Fledging occurs around 20-25 days post-hatching, with young birds staying close to the nest site before gradually becoming independent. The species usually raises one to two broods per year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.

Green-tailed Goldenthroat Sounds and Vocalizations

The primary song of the Green-tailed Goldenthroat is a series of high-pitched, rapid notes, often described as a metallic chipping. This song serves both territorial and courtship purposes. Call notes include sharp, single chirps used for communication and alerts.

Alarm calls are more intense and high-frequency, serving to warn of approaching predators. During the dawn chorus, the Green-tailed Goldenthroat joins other birds in a burst of vocal activity, although its contribution is more subtle compared to louder species.

Comparatively, its song and calls are less melodic than those of some other hummingbirds, but they serve their purpose effectively in the dense habitats it frequents.

Interesting Facts About the Green-tailed Goldenthroat

1The Green-tailed Goldenthroat beats its wings approximately 50 times per second, a rapid pace that supports its hovering abilities.
2Despite its small size, the Green-tailed Goldenthroat can travel over 20 kilometers in a day while foraging for food.
3This hummingbird's heart can beat more than 1,200 times per minute, especially during intense activity.
4Its iridescent plumage is not due to pigments but rather microscopic structures that refract light.
5The Green-tailed Goldenthroat can consume up to twice its body weight in nectar daily, a testament to its high energy needs.
6During torpor, its body temperature can drop to as low as 18 degrees Celsius to conserve energy overnight.
7The species has been observed using the same nesting site for consecutive breeding seasons, showing site fidelity.

Green-tailed Goldenthroat Conservation Status

The Green-tailed Goldenthroat currently holds a status of Least Concern according to the IUCN, indicating a stable population trend. However, habitat degradation poses an ongoing threat, particularly from deforestation and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, with initiatives aimed at protecting key forest areas and promoting sustainable land use practices. Historical population changes are not well-documented, but the species appears resilient within its core range. Continued monitoring is essential to ensure that populations remain stable, especially as human activities encroach further into its natural habitats. Collaborative efforts between conservation organizations and local communities are critical for long-term success.