Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem Photo Gallery

Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem Identification Guide

1. Taxonomy and Naming

• Common Name: Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem

• Scientific Name: Lampornis amethystinus

• Taxonomic Hierarchy:

  • Order: Apodiformes

  • Family: Trochilidae

  • Genus: Lampornis

  • Species: amethystinus

2. Physical Description

• Size:

  • Length: 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in)

  • Wingspan: Estimated 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in)

  • Weight: Approximately 6–7 grams (0.21–0.25 oz)

• Key Features:

  • Males have a brilliant violet or amethyst-colored throat patch (gorget), metallic green upperparts, and a white chest

  • Females are more muted, with green upperparts and grayish underparts, lacking the iridescent throat

  • Both sexes show a bold white stripe behind the eye and a slightly curved black bill

• Illustrations/Photos:

  • Seek images from open-license sources (e.g., Wikimedia Commons) or local photographers who allow reuse under Creative Commons

3. Range and Distribution

• Geographic Range:

  • Found in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador

  • Primarily a resident of highland forested areas

• Migration Patterns:

  • Resident species; some short-distance altitudinal movements may occur depending on local flowering seasons

4. Habitat

• Preferred Habitats:

  • Prefers humid montane forests, especially pine-oak and cloud forest ecosystems

  • Commonly found along forest edges, clearings, and near flowering shrubs

• Ecological Niche:

  • Acts as an important pollinator in high-elevation ecosystems

  • Typically occurs between 1,200 and 3,500 meters (3,900–11,500 ft)

  • Requires abundant flowering plants and relatively undisturbed canopy cover

5. Behavior

• Feeding Habits:

  • Feeds primarily on nectar, favoring tubular flowers

  • Supplement diet with small arthropods, which are caught mid-air or gleaned from foliage

• Breeding:

  • Nests are cup-shaped and constructed with moss and plant down

  • Clutch size: usually two eggs

  • Nest placement: sheltered spots on tree branches or within shrubs

  • Breeding season may vary by elevation and region, often aligned with the rainy season and the flowering peak

• Other Notable Behaviors:

  • Males may defend feeding territories, particularly when food is abundant

  • Capable of hovering and rapid flight maneuvers, characteristic of hummingbirds

6. Voice

• Description of Calls/Songs:

  • Calls consist of soft “chip” or “tsip” notes, often repeated

  • May give a short, buzzy trill during interactions or courtship

• Audio Link (Free/CC-licensed):

  • Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem calls on Xeno-canto

7. Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Least Concern

• Population Trends: Appears to be stable, though localized declines may occur

• Threats:

  • Loss of montane forest due to logging, agriculture, and urban development

  • Climate change may shift suitable habitat upslope, reducing the available range

8. Quick Reference

• Similar Species:

  • Could be confused with other Lampornis species, but the distinctive amethyst-colored gorget and white eye stripe help distinguish males

  • Females are more subtly marked; look for overall size, habitat, and green upperparts

• Indexing:

  • Alphabetical Index: Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem

  • Taxonomic Index:

    • Order: Apodiformes

    • Family: Trochilidae

    • Species: Lampornis amethystinus