Hummingbirds are found in Puerto Rico, where they are a vibrant part of the island’s diverse ecosystem. They are often seen among its abundant flora.
Puerto Rico’s Native Hummingbird Species
Puerto Rico is home to several hummingbird species, including two that are endemic to the island. The Puerto Rican Emerald (Riccordia maugaeus), also known as “Zumbadorcito de Puerto Rico,” is a recognized endemic hummingbird. This small bird measures about 3.5 to 4 inches long and weighs approximately 3 grams, comparable to the weight of a penny. Males display iridescent green feathers with a black tail, while females have white underparts and white outer tail feathers. They are often identified by their shorter, straighter bill and black forked tail.
Another endemic species is the Green Mango (Anthracothorax viridis). This larger hummingbird typically measures between 4.3 to 5.5 inches in length and weighs around 7 grams. Green Mangos are primarily solid dark green with a dark blue and black tail, though some individuals may appear solid purple-black. Females generally exhibit less glossiness and may have small white tips on their tail feathers.
Beyond the endemic species, common resident hummingbirds also inhabit Puerto Rico. The Antillean Mango (Anthracothorax dominicus) is a widespread species found across various Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico. Males typically have a glossy bright green plumage with a broad blue patch on their throat, which can sometimes appear black. Females are green on their upper bodies and grayish-white underneath. The Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus) is another resident, notable for the male’s iridescent green crest.
Habitats and Feeding Habits
Hummingbirds in Puerto Rico inhabit a wide range of environments, from coastal mangroves to mountainous forests. They are commonly observed in gardens, parks, coffee plantations, and urban areas. These birds frequent areas with abundant native flowering plants, their primary food source.
Their diet mainly consists of nectar, which they extract using their long, extendable, straw-like tongues while hovering in front of flowers. They are particularly drawn to brightly colored flowers, especially red and tubular-shaped blooms, which often contain high sugar content. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds supplement their diet with small arthropods, such as flies, spiders, and insects, which provide essential protein, fats, and salts not found in nectar. They may glean insects from leaves and branches or catch them mid-air.
Conservation Status and Importance
The Puerto Rican Emerald and Green Mango, along with other resident hummingbird species, are currently listed as species of Least Concern by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Despite this stable status, these birds face challenges, primarily related to habitat alterations. Threats include habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, urbanization, and tourism development, which fragment their living spaces and reduce available nesting sites and food sources.
Climate change also presents a potential challenge, as altered rainfall patterns can affect the flowering times of plants crucial for their nectar supply. Invasive plant species can outcompete native flora, further diminishing food resources. Additionally, the use of pesticides can directly harm hummingbirds by reducing their insect food source or through direct ingestion. Hummingbirds play a role as pollinators within the ecosystem. As they feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. Supporting local hummingbird populations involves planting native flowering plants that provide reliable nectar sources and avoiding the use of insecticides in gardens and natural areas.