High up in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest meets the crisp kiss of the cloud forest, flits a dazzling jewel – the Veraguan Mango. This mesmerizing hummingbird, with its vibrant plumage and playful spirit, is a captivating resident of our retreat here in the heart of Costa Rica.
For years, the Veraguan Mango was mistaken for its close cousin, the Green-breasted Mango. But in 1995, keen observers noticed subtle differences in their appearance and geographic range. The Veraguan Mango, as its name suggests, graces the skies of Panama and, more recently, Costa Rica’s Pacific lowlands, particularly the Osa Peninsula.
A Sighting to Behold
The Veraguan Mango is a medium-sized hummingbird, typically reaching lengths of 11-12 centimeters. The males are a sight to behold. Their entire bodies shimmer with an iridescent emerald sheen, like a living gemstone. This captivating green extends even to their tails, which take on a darker, almost purplish hue. But the true showstopper is their throat and breast. Here, unlike the Green-breasted Mango with its black patch, the Veraguan boasts a dazzling blue stripe, adding a touch of regal elegance.
The females, while less flamboyant, are no less beautiful. Their underparts are adorned with a clean white, broken only by a delicate greenish line running down the center. This line can be quite similar to the Green-breasted Mango’s females, making differentiation a challenge for the untrained eye. Juveniles add another layer of charm with their orange borders framing their white underparts.
A Life on the Wing
The Veraguan Mango is a creature of the air, spending most of its days flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar, its primary source of food. Their long, slightly decurved bills are perfectly adapted for reaching deep into blossoms, while their wings beat with incredible speed, creating a mesmerizing hum.
These little bundles of energy are vital to the rainforest ecosystem, acting as pollinators for a wide variety of flowering plants. As they flit through the canopy, transferring pollen from bloom to bloom, they ensure the continued health and diversity of the plant life.
Spotting a Veraguan Mango at Our Retreat
If you’re lucky enough to visit our mountain retreat, you might just catch a glimpse of the Veraguan Mango. Our lush gardens, teeming with vibrant flowers, are a natural magnet for these nectar-loving birds. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash of emerald darting between the blossoms, and listen for the soft whirring of their wings.
With a little patience, you might be rewarded with a sighting of this captivating creature. And who knows, you might even be able to capture a photograph of this dazzling jewel, a reminder of the magic that awaits in the Costa Rican mountains.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
