Introduction
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird (Abeillia abeillei) is a small hummingbird of humid mountain forests in southern Mexico and Central America. It is the only species in the genus Abeillia and is recognised for its short, straight bill, green upperparts and brilliant emerald throat in adult males.
Physical Description
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is a tiny bird, measuring approximately 7 to 7.5 centimetres in length and weighing about 2.7 grams. It has a short, straight, black bill and a broad tail that is slightly notched in the centre.
Adult males have metallic green to bronze-green upperparts, an iridescent emerald-green upper throat and darker lower throat and upper breast. The belly and undertail are duller greyish-green, and a small white mark behind the eye is usually visible. The central tail feathers are green, while the outer feathers are darker, with a subtle bluish or bronzy gloss.
Females are less brightly coloured, with bronzy-green upperparts and mostly greyish underparts. Their throats lack the male’s vivid emerald sheen, and the outer tail feathers show more noticeable pale tips. Juveniles and immature birds are generally duller than adults and may retain pale edging on the head, body and tail feathers.
Range and Habitat
The species occurs from southern and eastern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to northern Nicaragua. It is generally a resident species rather than a long-distance migrant, although local movements may occur in response to flowering conditions and seasonal changes in food availability.
It inhabits humid evergreen forest, cloud forest, premontane forest, montane forest edges and some pine or mixed woodland. It may also use shaded clearings, forest margins and well-vegetated gardens near suitable forest. Most records come from approximately 1,000 to 2,200 metres above sea level, although the precise elevation varies across its range.
Two geographic forms are commonly recognised in published treatments, with the nominate form occurring from Mexico into northern Central America and A. a. aurea associated with southern Honduras and northern Nicaragua. Taxonomic treatment may vary between authorities.
Where to See This Species
El Ocote Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird has been documented in the Selva El Ocote region, a protected area containing humid forest and forest-edge habitat suitable for the species. Look along shaded trails, flowering plants and forest margins, particularly during periods of local flowering. Access to parts of the reserve may require local guidance or prior arrangements.
Nearby accommodation: Ocozocoautla de Espinosa is the most practical gateway for hotels, guest houses and other basic accommodation, with more limited rural lodging available through local ecotourism arrangements.
Riscos de Momostenango National Park, Totonicapán, Guatemala
The species is included on bird checklists for Riscos de Momostenango National Park, where highland forest and wooded edges provide appropriate habitat. It is likely to be easier to detect quietly along forest trails and clearings than in exposed, heavily disturbed areas.
Nearby accommodation: Momostenango provides the nearest practical base, with small hotels, guest houses and locally arranged accommodation. Quetzaltenango offers a wider range of hotels for visitors combining the park with other highland sites.
Cusuco National Park, Cortés and Santa Bárbara, Honduras
Field surveys and birding reports have documented the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird in Cusuco National Park. The park’s cloud forest, montane woodland and forest edges are suitable habitat, although the species can be difficult to find. Visiting with a local guide is advisable because access is mountainous and some areas require organised entry arrangements.
Nearby accommodation: San Pedro Sula is the main gateway for hotels and guest houses, while rural lodging and camping may be available through local park or conservation arrangements closer to the reserve.
Behaviour and Diet
Emerald-chinned Hummingbirds are usually encountered alone. Males may defend productive flowers or display from low and medium perches during the breeding season, while individuals often move rapidly through the understorey and along forest edges.
They feed mainly on nectar from flowering plants and contribute to pollination as they move between blossoms. Small insects and spiders are also taken, providing protein and other nutrients, especially during breeding and while raising young. Like other hummingbirds, the species can hover while feeding and may enter torpor at night to reduce energy expenditure.
Breeding activity varies geographically and is associated with local food availability. The female builds a small, deep cup-shaped nest from plant fibres, moss and other soft material, often using spider silk to bind the structure and allowing it to expand as the nestlings grow. She undertakes incubation and most or all care of the young. Documented nests have contained two white eggs, with nests placed low above the ground in sheltered vegetation.
Identification Tips
- Look for a very small hummingbird with a short, straight bill and a broad, slightly notched tail.
- Adult males show a vivid emerald-green upper throat, contrasting with a darker lower throat and greyish-green underparts.
- The white mark behind the eye can be useful when the bird is seen clearly.
- Females and immature birds are duller, with greyish underparts and less obvious iridescence.
- The species is most likely to be confused with other small green hummingbirds in Central American mountain forests. Its combination of very small size, short bill, broad tail, white postocular mark and, in males, the emerald upper throat helps separate it from longer-billed or more brightly patterned species.
- Identification is often difficult in poor light, so habitat, elevation and the bird’s compact shape are important supporting clues.
Conservation Status
The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern. Its overall population size has not been reliably quantified, and available assessments indicate that the population may be declining.
The principal concern is the loss and degradation of humid montane forest through agriculture, pasture expansion, logging and other land conversion. Changes in rainfall and flowering periods may also affect food availability, although the species’ specific sensitivity to climate change is not well documented.
Maintaining connected areas of cloud forest and premontane woodland, protecting forest edges and restoring degraded habitat are important conservation measures. Protected areas, sustainable land management and monitoring of local populations can help reduce pressure on the species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird be found?
It occurs in humid mountain forests from southern and eastern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to northern Nicaragua.
Is the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird migratory?
It is generally considered resident, although individuals may make local movements in response to seasonal changes in flowering and food availability.
What does the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird eat?
Its diet consists mainly of flower nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders.
How can the species be identified?
Look for its very small size, short straight bill, broad slightly notched tail, white mark behind the eye and, in adult males, a brilliant emerald-green upper throat.
Where does it build its nest?
The female builds a small cup-shaped nest in sheltered low vegetation, using plant material, moss and spider silk. Documented nests have been placed close to the ground.
Is the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird endangered?
It is currently assessed as Least Concern, but habitat loss in montane forests and possible population declines remain conservation concerns.
References
- BirdLife International
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- IOC World Bird List
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