Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, we have the privilege of witnessing a dazzling array of avian visitors. Today, we turn our binoculars to a hummingbird that lives up to its name – the Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis).
This stunner isn’t one you’d find flitting around hibiscus bushes in the Central Valley. The Fiery-throated prefers the cooler, higher elevations, calling the montane forests and edges of Costa Rica and western Panama its home. So, if you’re venturing into the mountains on your Costa Rican adventure, keep your eyes peeled for this dazzling jewel.
A Spark of Color
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird lives up to its name with a throat that truly embodies fire. Imagine a center that shimmers with a rosy, coppery orange, bleeding out into fiery golden green on the sides. This breathtaking blaze is further accentuated by a glittering royal blue crown, making the male Fiery-throated a sight to behold.
But don’t discount the females! They may lack the flamboyant throat, but they share the same exquisite emerald green back that transitions to a mesmerizing blue-green on the uppertail coverts. Both sexes boast a black bill with a hint of pink at the base and a subtle white spot behind the eye.
Finding Your Fiery Friend
The Fiery-throated Hummingbird thrives in the cloud forests, typically between 1500 meters and the tree line. They’re most active during the day, flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar, their wings a blur as they hover in mid-air.
While they’re not the most common visitors at hummingbird feeders, you might get lucky! If you’re patient and keep an eye out, you might just spot this fiery gem flitting in for a sip.
A Vital Pollinator
Like all hummingbirds, the Fiery-throated plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. Their long, slender bills are perfectly adapted for reaching deep into flowers to extract nectar. In the process, they become dusted with pollen, which they then carry from flower to flower, promoting pollination and ensuring the continued health of the cloud forest.
A Mountain Majesty
If you’re planning a trip into the mountains of Costa Rica, keep your eyes peeled for the Fiery-throated Hummingbird. A flash of fire amongst the emerald green leaves, this dazzling creature is a true testament to the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica’s highlands.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
