Costa Rica’s biodiversity boasts a stunning array of feathered friends, and nestled amidst the labyrinthine roots of the Pacific coast’s mangroves thrives a dazzling little gem – the Mangrove Hummingbird (Amazilia boucardi). This blog post, brought to you by your friends at the Costa Rican Retreat, delves into the world of this emerald wonder, a creature as captivating as the lush mangrove forests it calls home.
A Specialist in a Sea of Green
Unlike many hummingbirds that flit between a variety of flowering plants, the Mangrove Hummingbird is a true specialist. Its preferred nectar source is the flower of the Tea Mangrove (Pelliciera rhizophorae), a plant that thrives in the salty, brackish waters of the mangrove ecosystem. This close association between bird and flower makes the Mangrove Hummingbird a vital part of the mangrove’s delicate balance.
A Flash of Brilliance in a Verdant World
Measuring a mere 9.5 to 11 centimeters (3.7 to 4.3 inches), the Mangrove Hummingbird is a marvel of miniature engineering. Males sport a dazzling iridescent crown and throat, shimmering with shades of blue and green, a stark contrast to their white underbelly. Females, while lacking the male’s vibrant throat, are no less beautiful, adorned with emerald green upperparts and white underparts. Their tiny, decurved bills are perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from the mangrove flowers.
A Life Among the Mangroves
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, with its dense mangrove forests, is the exclusive territory of the Mangrove Hummingbird. These little hummers are most often spotted flitting amongst the emerald foliage, their wings a blur as they hover and dart from flower to flower. Their nesting habits are fascinating – the females construct cup-shaped nests using soft materials like balsa tree fluff, lichens, and cobwebs, placing them precariously on the branches of the Tea Mangrove, just a few meters above the water’s surface.
A Treasure in Peril
Sadly, the Mangrove Hummingbird faces a significant threat – habitat loss. The destruction of mangrove forests for development and other purposes shrinks their vital breeding grounds. This has led to their classification as “Endangered” by the IUCN. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent birds and their mangrove havens.
Witnessing a Wonder
If you’re fortunate enough to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and explore the mangrove forests, keep your eyes peeled for the flash of an emerald jewel. Spotting a Mangrove Hummingbird is a truly magical experience, a testament to the beauty and delicate balance of the natural world.
From the Mountains to the Mangroves
While our mountain retreat might not be the natural habitat of the Mangrove Hummingbird, our commitment to Costa Rican wildlife extends to all its feathered residents. By supporting conservation efforts and sustainable practices, we hope to ensure that future generations can witness the wonder of these emerald gems flitting amongst the mangroves.
Come Experience Costa Rica’s Magic
A stay at our Costa Rican Retreat is more than just a vacation; it’s an immersion into the heart of a vibrant ecosystem. Whether you seek the tranquility of the mountains or the wonders of the coast, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Let us be your guide on this unforgettable journey of discovery.
In the next blog post of our 952-part series, we’ll explore another captivating resident of Costa Rica’s skies. Stay tuned as we unveil the feathered jewels that grace our beautiful country!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
