Image: “wine-throated hummingbird” by William Stephens is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Residing in the enchanting realm of hummingbirds, the Wine-Throated Hummingbird (Selasphorus ellioti) stands as a remarkable member of the Mellisugini tribe within the Trochilinae subfamily, often referred to as the “bee hummingbirds.” Despite its petite size, measuring merely 6.5 to 7 cm (2.6 to 2.8 inches) in length, this avian gem captivates all who encounter it.
The male of this species, barely larger than a bumblebee, dons an expansive magenta-pink gorget that glimmers with captivating allure. Complemented by delicate violet accents, the gorget’s longer hindward feathers gracefully fan out, creating an exquisite display. As sunlight dances upon its iridescent feathers, the flanks unveil a harmonious blend of cinnamon and green, while the underparts exude a pristine whitish charm.
Both genders of both subspecies share a succinct, straight blackish bill and a small white marking behind the eye, adding a touch of elegance to their appearance. The nominate subspecies’ males are adorned with resplendent green upperparts that beautifully contrast the rose-pink brilliance of the gorget. Meanwhile, the central pair of tail feathers showcase a serene green hue, tinged with rufous at their base. The remaining tail feathers boast a rich rufous tone, crowned with a bold black band near their tips. The outermost pair of tail feathers elegantly culminate in white tips, completing this avian masterpiece.
Within the world of hummingbirds, the Wine-Throated Hummingbird stands as a testament to the exquisite artistry that nature weaves into its creations.
“wine-throated hummingbird” (cropped) by Fernando Bautista is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
The female of the nominate subspecies also has green upperparts, but her chin and throat are white with dusky spots. The upper breast is white, the center of the belly is whitish, and the flanks and undertail coverts are cinnamon.
The female’s tail has more black and less rufous compared to the male’s, with the outer feathers having more cinnamon than white.
“wine-throated hummingbird” by William Stephens is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
The wine-throated hummingbird’s nominate subspecies is found in southern Mexico’s Chiapas state and much of Guatemala. The subspecies S. e. selasphoroides is found in western Honduras and northern El Salvador.
These birds inhabit montane landscapes, including the interiors, edges, and clearings of semi-humid to humid pine-oak and evergreen forests, as well as adjacent shrublands. They are typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 m (4,900 to 11,500 ft).
“wine-throated hummingbird” by noverholtz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The wine-throated hummingbird feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, although specific details about its diet are scarce. It forages at all levels of vegetation but tends to favor lower to middle heights. It hovers while feeding. Like most other hummingbirds, it is presumed to also consume small arthropods.
“wine-throated hummingbird” (cropped) by Melvin Bonilla is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Male wine-throated hummingbirds engage in courtship displays at dispersed leks, where they sing from exposed branches. The specific nesting season of this species has not been documented but is believed to potentially extend from August to February. Limited information is available about its breeding phenology.
The wine-throated hummingbird produces a song characterized by a series of high, slightly buzzy, squeaky chips that break into a warble. It also emits high, thin, sharp chips, often repeated steadily, sounding like “sip-sip” or “cheup cheup.” The sound of the male’s wings creates a “thrum” noise during hovering for feeding and during encounters with other males.
“wine-throated hummingbird” by William Stephens is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
The wine-throated hummingbird has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It has a large range and an esᴛι̇ɱated population of 20,000 to 50,000 mature individuals. However, the population is believed to be decreasing. The Mexican government has classified it as Threatened due to habitat loss resulting from forest clearing for agriculture and grazing activities in highland areas.
“wine-throated hummingbird” by William Stephens is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Watch this bird in action below:
