White-throated Hummingbird

Identification

The white-throated hummingbird is a small emerald hummingbird measuring 10 to 11.5 cm in length, with males weighing 5 to 8 g and females around 4.5 g. Both sexes display the species' most distinctive feature: a brilliant white throat that contrasts sharply with their otherwise gleaming green plumage. Males are particularly striking, with golden- to bronze-green upperparts and brilliant green cheeks and breast. Their tail feathers are golden-green to brilliant green on the inner feathers, with outer tail feathers blackish-green bearing white bands near the tip. The belly is predominantly white with golden-green sides and flanks. The bill is medium-length and straight, with a blackish upper mandible and red lower mandible tipped in black.

Females are noticeably duller and less glittery than males, though they retain the characteristic white throat. Juveniles can be distinguished by their grayish-brown underparts with reduced white markings and brownish tips to the tail feathers, making them appear less vibrant than adults.

Range & Habitat

This species is endemic to southeastern South America, occurring in eastern Paraguay, southeastern Brazil from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo southward, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. It is generally found from near sea level to 1,000 m in elevation, though occasional records exist up to 2,100 m. The white-throated hummingbird inhabits semi-open to open landscapes including forest edges, marshes, scrublands, parks, and gardens—showing a remarkable adaptability to human-modified environments.

Behaviour & Diet

Though primarily sedentary, this species exhibits some local dispersal movements. The white-throated hummingbird is an active forager, feeding on nectar from a remarkably wide variety of native and introduced plants across at least 10 plant families. Bromeliads appear to be especially favored, including species such as Quesnelia testudo and Tillandsia aeranthos. Beyond nectar, the species supplements its diet by hawking insects from perches. During its breeding season from October to March, females construct delicate cup nests from plant down and moss bound together with spiderweb and decorated with lichen on the exterior. These nests are typically placed on horizontal branches of shrubs or small trees. Females incubate their two-egg clutches for approximately 14 days, with fledging occurring 20 to 25 days after hatching.

The white-throated hummingbird is highly vocal, producing a distinctive song consisting of 4 to 10 high-pitched, buzzy notes with emphasis on the first note, transcribed as 'bzeeeee-bzee-bzee-bzee-bzee'. It also utters dry chips and a high-pitched descending metallic rattle.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from October to March offers the best opportunities to observe territorial and nesting behavior. The species is especially common in the southeastern portion of its range, where it has adapted particularly well to human-modified habitats including parks and gardens. Its presence in these accessible locations makes it a rewarding subject for nature travelers. Less information is available about populations at the western margin of the species' range, making these areas potentially interesting for dedicated observers.

Photography Tips

The white-throated hummingbird's striking white throat provides excellent contrast for photography, particularly when backlighting reveals the brilliant green plumage. Patience near flowering plants and bromeliads during the breeding season will yield opportunities to photograph feeding and territorial behavior. Gardens and parks within the species' range offer more accessible shooting locations than remote forest habitats. Early morning light best showcases the metallic green tones and the luminous white throat patch. The bird's relatively small size and active foraging behavior reward photographers using fast shutter speeds and continuous autofocus tracking.