Wine-throated Hummingbird
Selasphorus ellioti
Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae
About the Wine-throated Hummingbird
The Wine-throated Hummingbird (Selasphorus ellioti) is a striking avian species endemic to the montane regions of Central America. This small hummingbird captivates observers with its brilliant plumage and agile flight. Its presence is a significant indicator of the health of the montane forest ecosystems within its range. These forests, characterized by their lush vegetation and high biodiversity, provide essential resources and habitat for the Wine-throated Hummingbird. The hummingbird plays a crucial ecological role as a pollinator, facilitating the reproduction of various flowering plants native to its habitat. Found primarily in the highlands of Guatemala and southern Mexico, particularly in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and the Cuchumatanes, this species exhibits a preference for cloud forests and humid pine-oak forests. These areas, rich in nectar-producing flowers, offer an ideal environment for the Wine-throated Hummingbird to thrive. During the breeding season, which occurs from March to July, the hummingbird's territoriality becomes pronounced as males aggressively defend feeding territories and courting areas. Outside of the breeding season, the Wine-throated Hummingbird often shifts to lower elevations, following the availability of food sources. This seasonal movement allows it to exploit various flowering plant species, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar throughout the year. Despite its vibrant presence, the Wine-throated Hummingbird faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. Deforestation for agriculture and urban development poses significant challenges to the preservation of its natural environment. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding the habitats that support not only the Wine-throated Hummingbird but also a diverse array of flora and fauna.
The Wine-throated Hummingbird belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live average 3-5 years with a maximum recorded of 7 years..
How to Identify a Wine-throated Hummingbird
The Wine-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its small size and vibrant coloration. Adult males possess a striking iridescent pinkish-purple gorget, which is a key field mark visible during display flights. Their upperparts are predominantly green, providing excellent camouflage against the lush forest backdrop. Females and juveniles, while lacking the vivid gorget, exhibit a more subdued coloration with green upperparts and grayish underparts. This sexual dimorphism is typical among hummingbirds, aiding in the identification of individuals. In flight, the Wine-throated Hummingbird's rapid wing beats and agile maneuvers make it a challenging yet rewarding subject for birdwatchers. Observers should note its small size, as it measures only about 7 to 8 centimeters in length. When perched, the hummingbird often rests on small branches, where its slightly drooped wings and upright posture can be observed. Confusion with similar species, such as the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, is possible, but careful attention to the throat coloration and size will aid in accurate identification.
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Wine-throated Hummingbird Habitat and Range
Preferred Habitat
The Wine-throated Hummingbird inhabits montane and cloud forests within its range. These habitats are characterized by high humidity, frequent cloud cover, and a rich diversity of plant life. Elevation plays a critical role in its habitat preference, with the species typically found at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Seasonal shifts in habitat occur as the hummingbird moves to lower elevations during the non-breeding season in search of food. While primarily occupying forested areas, the Wine-throated Hummingbird can occasionally be observed in adjacent open areas or forest edges, though it remains less common in urban settings.
Geographic Range
The Wine-throated Hummingbird's range is relatively restricted, focusing on the highlands of Central America. It is primarily found in southern Mexico, particularly in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in Guatemala. Within these regions, its presence is more concentrated in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and the Cuchumatanes mountain ranges. During the breeding season, the species is predominantly observed at higher elevations, while in the non-breeding season, it may descend to lower altitudes. Despite its limited range, the Wine-throated Hummingbird is an important species for the regions it inhabits, contributing to the pollination of local flora.
Want to know which birds visit your area? Browse our backyard birds by location guides for region-specific species lists.
What Does the Wine-throated Hummingbird Eat?
The diet of the Wine-throated Hummingbird primarily consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It exhibits a preference for flowers with tubular shapes, which are ideally suited to its long, specialized bill. The hummingbird's diet shifts seasonally, as it follows the blooming cycles of different plant species to ensure a steady nectar supply. In addition to nectar, the Wine-throated Hummingbird consumes small insects and spiders, providing essential proteins for its diet. Foraging behavior is characterized by rapid, agile movements as it hovers near flowers to extract nectar or captures small prey on the wing. Feeding occurs throughout the day, with peaks in activity during the early morning and late afternoon.
Want to attract Wine-throated Hummingbirds to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.
Wine-throated Hummingbird Behavior and Social Structure
The Wine-throated Hummingbird exhibits a variety of behaviors that are fascinating to observe. Males are highly territorial, especially during the breeding season, when they perform elaborate aerial displays to defend their territory and attract mates. These displays, involving rapid dives, loops, and hovering, showcase the male's vibrant gorget in the sunlight. While generally solitary, the hummingbird may form loose associations with other nectar-feeding birds when food sources are abundant. The species is diurnal, with most of its activity occurring during daylight hours. At night, it enters a state of torpor, reducing its metabolic rate to conserve energy. In response to predators, the Wine-throated Hummingbird relies on its agility and speed, often fleeing at the first sign of danger.
Wine-throated Hummingbird Nesting and Reproduction
The nesting behavior of the Wine-throated Hummingbird involves the construction of small, cup-shaped nests. Females are solely responsible for building the nest, which is typically situated on a horizontal branch or within a shrub. The nest is constructed using plant fibers, moss, and spider silk, providing a secure and camouflaged environment for the eggs. The clutch size generally consists of two eggs, which the female incubates for approximately 14 to 17 days. After hatching, the young remain in the nest for about 20 to 26 days before fledging. The female continues to care for the fledglings, providing them with food until they become independent. The Wine-throated Hummingbird may produce one to two broods per year, depending on environmental conditions.
Wine-throated Hummingbird Sounds and Vocalizations
The Wine-throated Hummingbird's vocalizations are subtle yet distinctive. Its primary song consists of a series of high-pitched, rapid chirps that vary in rhythm and intensity. These sounds are often produced during territorial displays or interactions with other hummingbirds. In addition to its song, the hummingbird emits soft call notes while foraging or in flight. Alarm calls, characterized by sharp, repetitive chips, are used to communicate the presence of potential threats. Unlike some other bird species, the Wine-throated Hummingbird does not participate in a dawn chorus, as its vocal activity is more sporadic and context-dependent.
Interesting Facts About the Wine-throated Hummingbird
- 1The Wine-throated Hummingbird's gorget, a patch of colored feathers on its throat, is iridescent and changes color depending on the angle of light.
- 2Despite its small size, the Wine-throated Hummingbird can beat its wings up to 80 times per second, enabling its precise hovering.
- 3This species is known to feed on over 100 different plant species, showcasing its importance as a pollinator within its ecosystem.
- 4The Wine-throated Hummingbird's heart rate can exceed 1,200 beats per minute during flight, one of the highest in the animal kingdom.
- 5Females alone build the nest and care for the young, demonstrating the species' unique approach to parental roles.
Wine-throated Hummingbird Conservation Status
The Wine-throated Hummingbird is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. Its population trend is considered to be decreasing, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Deforestation for agriculture and urban expansion poses significant threats to the montane and cloud forest habitats that this species relies on. Conservation efforts focus on preserving these critical habitats through protected areas and sustainable land-use practices. Historical population changes are challenging to assess due to the species' elusive nature and limited range. Continued monitoring and habitat preservation are essential to ensure the survival of the Wine-throated Hummingbird.
Attracting Wine-throated Hummingbirds to Your Feeder
The Wine-throated Hummingbird is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Wine-throated Hummingbirds regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.
