Introduction
The Green-throated Carib (Eulampis holosericeus) is a medium-sized Caribbean hummingbird recognised for its iridescent green throat, dark underparts and blue-black tail. It is a resident species of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and much of the Lesser Antilles, where it occurs in both natural and human-modified habitats.
Physical Description
The Green-throated Carib measures approximately 10.5–12 cm in length. Both sexes have metallic green upperparts, a brilliant green throat and upper breast, dark lower underparts, and a blue to blue-black tail that can appear almost black in poor light. A narrow bluish band may be visible across the chest.
The bill is black and slightly downcurved. Females are generally duller above and have a longer, more strongly decurved bill than males. Young birds resemble females and may have less vivid iridescence and a more subdued head and back. The two recognised subspecies show geographic variation, with the Grenada form generally darker below and having a broader bluish chest band.
Range and Habitat
The Green-throated Carib is resident from eastern Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through the Lesser Antilles, including Grenada. It is not considered a long-distance migrant, although individuals may move locally or shift towards wetter areas when flowering resources change.
The species uses a broad range of habitats, including moist and semi-deciduous forest, rainforest edges, secondary woodland, cultivated areas, gardens, parks and vegetation around homes. It is often found at low elevations, but can occur higher in the hills where suitable flowering plants are available. Its ability to use gardens and other altered habitats has helped it remain widespread across its island range.
Where to See This Species
Humacao Nature Reserve, Humacao, Puerto Rico
The reserve contains mangrove, lagoon, coastal woodland and other habitats used by resident land birds. BirdLife International lists the Green-throated Carib as a resident species of conservation importance at the Humacao site. Look around flowering vegetation and forest edges, particularly in the eastern lowlands of Puerto Rico.
Nearby accommodation: Humacao and nearby coastal settlements offer hotels, guest houses, holiday apartments and self-catering accommodation.
Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge, St Croix, United States Virgin Islands
Green Cay supports dry coastal vegetation and has documented records of Green-throated Carib, which is frequently observed there according to United States Fish and Wildlife Service planning information. The small refuge is best approached as part of wider birding on St Croix, with attention to flowering shrubs and woodland margins.
Nearby accommodation: Christiansted is the most practical accommodation base, with hotels, guest houses, holiday rentals and self-catering options.
Dominica Botanic Gardens, Roseau, Dominica
The gardens provide a realistic opportunity to search for the species among ornamental plants, flowering trees and cultivated areas. The Green-throated Carib is documented as a lowland resident on Dominica and is recorded from the gardens themselves, where it visits both ornamental plants and crops.
Nearby accommodation: Roseau provides the widest choice of hotels, guest houses, small inns and self-catering accommodation.
Behaviour and Diet
The Green-throated Carib is usually seen alone. It visits flowering shrubs, trees and cultivated plants while hovering or perching between feeding bouts. Males commonly defend nectar-rich feeding territories and may chase other hummingbirds with rapid aerial manoeuvres. Females may also defend feeding areas, particularly outside the breeding season.
Nectar forms the main part of the diet. The species also takes small arthropods, including insects and spiders, which provide additional protein. Some prey is captured in flight, while other items are taken from vegetation.
Breeding is thought to be influenced by rainfall and the availability of flowers. The female builds a small cup-shaped nest from plant fibres and other soft material, often decorating the outside with lichen or bark fragments. A typical clutch contains two eggs. Incubation lasts approximately 17–19 days, and young usually leave the nest around 20–22 days after hatching. The female undertakes incubation and care of the young.
Identification Tips
- Look for a relatively large, compact hummingbird, measuring about 10.5–12 cm.
- The combination of a vivid green throat, dark belly and blue or blue-black tail is distinctive.
- The bill is black and slightly downcurved, with the female’s bill usually longer and more strongly curved.
- Iridescent feathers can look black in shade, so observe the bird in good light or wait for it to turn its head.
- The Green-throated Carib can occur alongside the Antillean Crested Hummingbird. The carib lacks the latter’s prominent crest and has a darker body with a conspicuous green throat and bluish chest band.
- Do not rely on colour alone in poor light. Shape, bill profile, tail colour and the green throat are more dependable field marks.
Conservation Status
The Green-throated Carib is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Its population size and long-term trend have not been quantified, although it is described as common in much of its range and remains capable of using gardens, second-growth vegetation and other modified habitats.
Potential pressures include the loss and fragmentation of flowering habitat, urban expansion, severe storms and changes in rainfall that may affect nectar supplies and breeding conditions. Protecting native woodland, maintaining flowering vegetation and retaining connected habitat around gardens and reserves can benefit the species. The effects of hurricanes and other extreme weather events may be especially important for island populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the Green-throated Carib be found?
It occurs in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and much of the Lesser Antilles, including Dominica, Barbados, Saint Vincent and Grenada. It is generally resident rather than migratory.
What does the Green-throated Carib eat?
It feeds mainly on nectar from flowering shrubs, trees and cultivated plants. It also catches small insects and spiders, especially when additional protein is needed.
How can the Green-throated Carib be identified?
Look for a medium-sized hummingbird with a brilliant green throat, dark underparts, a blue to blue-black tail and a black, slightly downcurved bill. Females usually have a longer, more strongly curved bill.
Does the Green-throated Carib migrate?
It is considered largely resident. Local movements can occur when flowering conditions change, and some birds may shift towards wetter habitats after breeding.
Where does the Green-throated Carib nest?
The female builds a small cup nest, usually in a branch fork or similar sheltered position. The nest is made from plant fibres and may be decorated externally with lichen or bark fragments.
Is the Green-throated Carib endangered?
No. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern, although habitat loss, extreme weather and changes in food availability remain potential local pressures.
References
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Birds of the World
- Puerto Rico Breeding Bird Atlas, United States Forest Service
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