Photo gallery for the Wine-throated Hummingbird

The vibrant Yellow-eyed Junco, with its striking yellow eyes and grey plumage, rests elegantly on a branch against the verdant backdrop of the Guatemala Highlands
Stunning Wine-throated Hummingbird showing off its vivid magenta throat while perched on a branch.
Tiny Wine-throated Hummingbird captured perched on a branch, highlighting its striking magenta throat plumage.

Wine-throated Hummingbird

Taxonomy and Distribution

Species: Wine-throated Hummingbird (Selasphorus ellioti)
Family: Trochilidae
Distribution: Southern Mexico (Chiapas), Guatemala, Northern El Salvador, and Honduras
Habitat: Humid and semi-humid forests, pine-oak woodlands, adjacent shrubby areas. The species predominantly inhabits highland regions ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Morphological Characteristics

Adult males possess distinct magenta gorgets that serve as a visually captivating characteristic during both courtship and territorial displays. Females, in contrast, have plain throats. These diminutive birds exhibit a unique size and flight pattern that mimic bees, allowing for deceptive practices during nectar foraging.

Feeding Behavior

The Wine-throated Hummingbird primarily subsists on nectar, often infiltrating the floral territories of other hummingbirds. Their bee-like size and flight pattern aid them in effectively siphoning nectar undetected or unchallenged.

Courtship and Vocalization

Males engage in a pendulum-like flight pattern in front of females during courtship, accompanied by continuous vocalizations. This display serves as a visual and auditory signal to attract a mate.

Conservation Status of the Wine-throated Hummingbird

While the Wine-throated is primarily a resident species in the highlands from southern Mexico through northern Central America, its specific habitat preferences make it vulnerable to habitat destruction and climate change. Further research is required to establish its current conservation status.

The Wine-throated Hummingbird, the tiniest bird of Guatemala, offers more than just a lesson in minuscule grandeur. Its intricate feeding and mating habits make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. So, the next time you find yourself in Guatemala’s lush landscapes, keep an eye out for this small yet enchanting creature.

If hummingbird spotting in Guatemala piques your curiosity, consult the local authority for in-depth information. Birding Expeditions Guatemala offers a variety of experiences, from day tours to multi-day adventures, catering to bird enthusiasts, photographers, and those on specific quests.