Black-throated Mango

Identification

The black-throated mango is a compact hummingbird measuring 10.2 to 14 cm in length and weighing a mere 6 to 9 grams. Both sexes sport a slightly decurved black bill. Adult males of the nominate subspecies display striking plumage: a metallic bronze-green crown and upperparts contrasting with a black chin, throat, and central chest bordered by brilliant metallic bluish-green. Their tail feathers are particularly eye-catching, with the outer pairs showing metallic magenta-rufous colouration edged in dark blue with a violet sheen. Females are more subtly coloured, with metallic green upperparts and a distinctive thin, ragged black throat stripe bordered in white, with green underparts. Juveniles resemble females but feature a white chin and breast with a thin black central line and a barred appearance on the head and back.

Range & Habitat

The black-throated mango is found across a vast range spanning Panama, every mainland South American country except Chile, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The nominate subspecies occupies the largest distribution, while subspecies iridescens inhabits the western regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. These birds favour lowland tropical environments, typically in semi-open to open landscapes. They thrive in gallery forests, shade coffee and cacao plantations, forest edges, and gardens in populated areas. Though primarily birds of the lowlands, they demonstrate remarkable altitudinal range, reaching 1,400 metres in Venezuela, 1,700 metres in Colombia, and 2,000 metres in eastern Brazil.

Behaviour & Diet

Black-throated mangos are generally sedentary, though some populations make seasonal movements in response to flowering plant availability, and the eastern Brazilian population is known to undertake long-distance migration. These hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from tall trees, particularly favouring flowers of Erythrina, Eucalyptus, and Tabebuia among other genera. They also exploit flowering vines and shrubs, both native and introduced species. Unlike some hummingbird species, males defend feeding territories with relatively modest vigour. Supplementing their nectar diet, they actively hawk insects from high perches and glean them from foliage, displaying opportunistic feeding behaviour.

Best Time & Places to See It

The black-throated mango's breeding season varies considerably across its wide range, occurring from December to July in Trinidad, January to April in coastal Venezuela, July and August in Amazonian Brazil, and November to February in other Brazilian regions, with some suggestion of year-round breeding in Colombia. This variation makes the species potentially viewable throughout the year depending on your location. Look for them in flowering trees, gardens, and semi-open habitats across their range. The species' non-migratory behaviour in most areas means that many populations remain in their territories year-round, making them accessible to patient observers.

Photography Tips

Photographers seeking to capture the black-throated mango should focus on flowering trees and gardens where these birds are most active. Males' distinctive metallic plumage and contrasting throat markings photograph particularly well in bright, natural light that emphasises their iridescent feathers. The species is not highly vocal, so sound-tracking opportunities are limited, but visual documentation of their territorial displays and feeding behaviour is rewarding. Their habit of defending feeding territories in trees makes them relatively predictable subjects. Look for nesting birds on exposed branches or even human-made substrates such as utility wires, where cup nests built with plant material and spider silk are often placed in plain sight.