Welcome back, birding enthusiasts, to another feathered friend gracing the skies of our Costa Rican mountain retreat! Today, we turn our binoculars towards a dazzling hummer, the White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora).
These medium-sized marvels flit between the vibrant flora surrounding your cabina, their iridescent plumage a fleeting splash of color. At 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 in) long, they’re not the tiniest hummingbirds, but their rapid wing beats and acrobatic maneuvers can make them seem like they disappear in a blink.
A Tale of Two Plumages
The White-necked Jacobin is a visual treat, but the real spectacle lies in its sexual dimorphism. Males are the stars of the show, adorned in a breathtaking combination of blues and greens. Their heads and chests boast a deep, royal blue, offset by a dazzling white band on the nape – their namesake. This band separates the blue from the vibrant green that covers their backs and uppertail coverts. Their underparts take a turn for the dramatic with a snowy white belly and a tail that mirrors the white, tipped with black.
Females, on the other hand, are dressed in a more subdued palette. They come in a variety of greens, with some sporting a blue-green throat and breast adorned with delicate white “scales.” Their bellies are typically white, and their tails are mostly green with a hint of blue at the end.
A Life of Nectar and Daring
These aerial acrobats are masters of hovering, their wings beating at an astounding 80 times per second! This incredible feat allows them to visit a vast array of flowers, sipping on nectar with their long, specialized bills. They’re particularly fond of heliconias, gingers, and other brightly colored blooms that dot the rainforest around the retreat.
White-necked Jacobins are territorial and fiercely defend their feeding grounds. You might witness aerial chases and dazzling displays as males compete for the choicest flowers.
Find Your Flash of Blue
While White-necked Jacobins can be found throughout Costa Rica, from the lowlands to the mountains (including our retreat!), they are particularly common in open areas with flowering trees and shrubs. So, keep your eyes peeled as you explore the trails or relax on your balcony. With a bit of patience, you might just catch a glimpse of this dazzling jewel flitting by, adding a touch of magic to your Costa Rican birding adventure.
Have you ever spotted a White-necked Jacobin? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Coming up next: We’ll be diving into the world of the toucans, those captivating rain forest residents with their unmistakable beaks. Stay tuned!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
