The Black-throated Mango is a colorful hummingbird species found in the forests of Colombia. It has a black throat, a green body, and a long, curved bill. It hovers near flowers, feeding on nectar using its long tongue. It is known for its energetic flight and its territorial behavior. Widespread but uncommon, this is a fairly large and dark hummingbird with a slightly decurved bill. Male is mostly green with black extending all the way down the throat and belly. Females have white underparts with dark line running down the center. On both sexes, note the purplish tail. Extremely similar to Green-breasted Mango but very little range overlap. Found in open habitats including forest edge, open woodlands, and shrubby second-growth.
Habitats & Distribution
The Black-throated Mango inhabits a variety of environments including forest edges, open woodlands, gardens, and plantations. It is often found near flowering plants and can adapt to both lowland and montane regions up to 1,500 meters above sea level. This hummingbird prefers areas with abundant nectar sources, which provide necessary energy for its active lifestyle. Geographically, the Black-throated Mango is distributed across a wide range in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, including countries like Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Its range extends as far south as northern Argentina and Brazil, and it is also present on some Caribbean islands. This broad distribution indicates its adaptability to different climates and habitats within the neotropical zone.
Behaviours & Reproduction
The Black-throated Mango exhibits intriguing social and reproductive behaviors that emphasize territoriality and solitary nest-building by females. Males are known to establish and vigorously defend their territories, often engaging in aggressive aerial displays to ward off rivals and attract females. Unlike many hummingbirds that display polygyny, Black-throated Mango males do not form lasting pair bonds with females and primarily focus on mating opportunities within their territory. Females undertake the responsibility of nest construction and rearing the young alone. They typically build their nests on tree branches, using plant fibers and spider silk to create a small cup-like structure. After a brief courtship and mating period, the female lays two tiny eggs, which she incubates for about 15-18 days. Upon hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for several weeks, during which the mother tirelessly feeds them with regurgitated nectar and insects until they are ready to fledge and become independent.
Diet
Nectar, small insects
Colors
Black, green
Fun Facts
It has a distinctive call, a series of rapid, high-pitched chatters that sound like "chee-chee-chee"
Conservation Status & Efforts
The conservation status of the Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis) is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Population trends are considered stable, with this hummingbird species widely distributed across northern and central South America through to southern Central America. Primary threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and land-use changes, although the species demonstrates resilience by adapting to secondary forests and human-modified landscapes. Conservation efforts for the Black-throated Mango focus on habitat protection and maintaining the ecological integrity of regions where it commonly resides. Environmental organizations work towards preserving large tracts of tropical and subtropical forests, and some regions implement reforestation projects to restore degraded areas. Public education and community engagement initiatives are also pivotal, striving to promote co-existence with hummingbird species and discouraging practices that lead to habitat destruction.
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