Introduction
The Black-throated Mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis, is a medium-sized hummingbird of the family Trochilidae. It occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical South America, extending northwards into Panama, and is also found on Trinidad and Tobago. Its rapid flight, metallic plumage and preference for flowering trees make it a distinctive bird of forest edges, open woodland and gardens.
Physical Description
The Black-throated Mango measures approximately 10–12 centimetres in length. It has a long, slightly curved bill, pointed wings and a relatively long tail typical of the mango hummingbirds.
Adult males are metallic green above, with a dark, velvety black throat and central stripe extending down the breast and belly. This black area is bordered by bright green to bluish-green plumage on the sides of the chest and underparts. The tail is dark, with paler or whitish areas on some outer feathers.
Females are less strongly coloured. They are generally green above and pale or whitish below, with a dark central stripe running from the throat towards the belly. Immature birds resemble females, although young males gradually develop the darker adult throat and underparts. Plumage can vary geographically, and some females may show more male-like markings.
Range and Habitat
The species is distributed from Panama through much of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is also recorded on Trinidad and Tobago. It is not endemic to a single country, and most populations are resident or locally mobile, although seasonal movements have been reported in parts of its range.
Black-throated Mangos use open woodland, forest edges, river margins, savanna with scattered trees, secondary growth, plantations and gardens. They often favour landscapes with tall flowering trees and shrubs, and may occur in urban or suburban areas where suitable nectar sources are available. The species is found from lowlands into foothill habitats, although its preferred elevation varies across its broad range.
Where to See This Species
Parque Natural Municipal Xokleng, Santa Catarina, Brazil
The species is documented in the bird list for Parque Natural Municipal Xokleng, a publicly accessible protected area containing Atlantic Forest and forest-edge habitats. Look for it around flowering plants, open sections of the park and the edges of woodland, particularly when nectar sources are in bloom.
Nearby accommodation: Nova Veneza and the wider Criciúma area provide hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation suitable for visits to the park.
Reserva Natural Urbana del Oeste, Santa Fe, Argentina
This urban nature reserve has a documented record of Black-throated Mango and provides a realistic opportunity for observing the species in a landscaped wetland and open-country setting. The record was of a female, and the species may be occasional at the site rather than consistently present, so local bird reports should be checked before visiting.
Nearby accommodation: Santa Fe city offers hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation, with the city serving as the practical base for visiting the reserve.
Behaviour and Diet
Black-throated Mangos are active, agile hummingbirds that usually forage alone. They hover at flowers while feeding and may defend productive flowering plants or favoured perches from other hummingbirds. Males commonly use exposed branches or treetops for display and territorial activity.
Nectar is the main energy source, taken from a variety of tubular or otherwise nectar-rich flowers, including flowers of tall trees and cultivated garden plants. The species also catches small insects and takes spiders, especially when feeding young. These animal foods provide protein and other nutrients that are not supplied by nectar alone.
The female is responsible for nest construction, incubation and care of the young. The small cup-shaped nest is made from soft plant material and bound with spider silk, often with lichens or other material attached to its exterior. Nests may be placed on horizontal branches or other exposed supports. A typical clutch contains two eggs. Incubation lasts about 16–18 days, and young generally remain in the nest for roughly 20–29 days, with the exact period varying among observations and regions.
Identification Tips
- Look for a medium-sized hummingbird with a relatively long bill and a green, rather than predominantly blue, upper surface.
- The adult male is recognised by the sharply contrasting black throat and central underparts bordered by metallic green or bluish-green sides.
- The female has pale underparts with a dark central stripe, a useful combination for separating her from many uniformly green hummingbirds.
- Observe the bird around flowering trees, forest edges, gardens and open woodland rather than only in dense forest.
- Identification can be difficult where other mango hummingbirds occur. Compare the exact pattern of the dark central stripe, the colour of the throat and the amount of white on the underparts and tail, rather than relying on size alone.
Conservation Status
The Black-throated Mango is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It has a broad distribution and remains locally common in suitable habitat, although a precise global population estimate is not available.
The main potential pressures are the loss and fragmentation of flowering habitat, clearance of woodland, agricultural expansion and the degradation of forest edges and riparian vegetation. Climate-related changes could also affect flowering times and the availability of nectar and insect prey. Protecting native vegetation, retaining flowering trees and maintaining connected habitat in agricultural and urban landscapes can benefit this species and other nectar-feeding birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the Black-throated Mango be found?
It occurs from Panama through much of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is also found on Trinidad and Tobago.
What does a male Black-throated Mango look like?
The adult male is metallic green above and has a striking black throat and central stripe down the breast and belly, bordered by green or bluish-green plumage.
How can a female Black-throated Mango be identified?
The female is green above and pale below, with a dark stripe along the centre of the throat and underparts. She is generally less vividly coloured than the adult male.
What does the Black-throated Mango eat?
It feeds mainly on nectar from flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders. Animal prey is particularly important when adults are feeding nestlings.
Does the Black-throated Mango migrate?
Most populations are resident or locally mobile, but seasonal movements have been reported in parts of the range. Movement patterns differ between regions and are not fully understood.
Is the Black-throated Mango endangered?
No. The species is currently classified as Least Concern, although habitat loss and the decline of flowering vegetation may affect local populations.
References
- BirdLife International
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of the World
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