Mango Pechinegro
Black-throated Mango
Anthracothorax nigricollis
Song
Black-throated Mango
Appearance: Medium-sized hummingbird, measuring about 10 to 12 cm in length. Males have a striking appearance with a metallic green body, a distinctive black throat, and a black stripe running down the center of the chest and belly. The rest of the underparts are white. Females are similar but have less pronounced black markings and more white on the underparts. Slightly curved and medium in length, common of many hummingbird species.
Habitat: The Black-throated Mango inhabits a variety of environments, including tropical and subtropical forests, gardens, plantations, and open woodlands. They are often found at the edges of forests and in secondary growth areas. They are found at lower elevations but can be seen up to around 1,900 m.
Behavior: Like most hummingbirds, they feed on nectar from flowers, using their long bills to access deep floral tubes. They also consume small insects and spiders for protein. Males are known to be territorial, especially around rich feeding sites, and will chase away other hummingbirds. They are agile fliers, capable of hovering in place while feeding.
Breeding: The female builds a small cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers and spider webs, usually placed on a tree branch or shrub where they lay two white eggs. The female incubates the eggs and cares for the young. The incubation period is about 16 to 18 days, and the fledglings leave the nest about 20 to 26 days after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Black-throated Mango is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Black-throated Mango is found mainly in lowland with altitudes less than 1,500 m of the country except in the drylands of the department of La Guajira. The Black-throated Mango is a vibrant and adaptable species that thrives in diverse environments, making it a common sight in suitable habitats across Colombia.
Taxonomy
The Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Anthracothorax
- Species: Anthracothorax nigricollis
Vocalization
Sounds and Calls: The Black-throated Mango produces a variety of vocalizations. These include high-pitched, sharp calls and a series of rapid chirps or twitters. The sounds are used for communication between individuals, especially during the breeding season or when defending territory.
Purpose
Territorial Defense: Males often use vocalizations to assert dominance and establish territory boundaries. This is crucial in areas where food resources, such as nectar from flowers, are contested.
Mating: Vocalizations play play a role in courtship, helping males attract females. The calls may be part of a display that includes aerial acrobatics.
Communication: Both males and females use vocalizations to communicate with each other, whether it's warning of potential threats or coordinating feeding.
Ecological Role: As a pollinator, the Black-throated Mango plays a significant role in its ecosystem. By feeding on nectar, it helps in the pollination of various flowering plants, contributing to the health and reproduction of plant communities.
Food Web: This hummingbird is an integral part of the food web. It feeds on nectar, insects, and spiders, thus controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators.
Biodiversity Indicator: The presence and health of Black-throated Mango populations can indicate the overall health of their habitat. Changes in their numbers can signal shifts in environmental conditions or resource availability.
