Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem
Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem
Also known as: Blue-Throated Mountaingem, Blue-Throated Hummingbird
Lampornis clemenciae
Quick Identification guide
Quick Identification guide
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Features a brilliant blue throat and crown that contrast with its mostly green plumage
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Displays white spots behind the eyes and a subtly curved, black beak
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Notice a compact body structure with a shimmering green upper body and grayish underparts
What does a blue-throated mountain-gem sound like?
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem is known for its distinctive vocalizations. Its call is characterised by a loud, often repeated 'seep', heard both in flight and when perched. The call pattern frequently exhibits a varied, undulating nature that can also become flat. The call types encompass a range of sounds from a slight buzz to a chirp or chip, extending to a trill, thereby offering a unique auditory experience.
Description
Did you know the blue-throated mountain-gem is the largest of the hummingbirds that nest in the US? It beats its wings proportionately slower, too. Well, if you can call 23 beats per second slow, that is. Males don't perform any sort of dance, instead potential lovebirds test out their singing chops by duetting. When the female is ready to mate, she’ll let out a special call!
The blue-throated mountain-gem can weigh between 6to10grams and be from11.5to12.5centimeters tall.
The blue-throated mountain-gem typically lives up to 12 years. Compared to other hummingbirds, this lifespan is relatively long, as many species average around 5 years. However, longevity can vary greatly among hummingbirds, with the smallest species often living the longest. Hence, even within its family, the mountain-gem’s lifespan is impressive.
Did you know?
Most popular questions about blue-throated mountain-gem
How to recognise a blue-throated mountain-gem?
General appearance
The blue-throated mountain-gem is a striking hummingbird with metallic green upperparts and a white breast. Its most distinctive feature is the iridescent blue throat patch that shines brightly in sunlight. The tail is rounded with white tips that are visible during flight, and it has a straight, medium-length bill.
Male vs female
Males are distinguished by their vibrant blue throat, which contrasts with a dark face mask. Their crown is a vibrant green, adding to their striking appearance. Females, however, exhibit more subdued coloration, lacking the blue throat of the males. Instead, they have a buffy throat and grey underparts with a less defined face mask.
Juvenile
Juvenile blue-throated mountain-gems resemble females but with even duller coloring. They lack the male's distinctive blue throat and have additional buffy edging on their feathers. As they mature, young males gradually develop their blue throat. Identifying juveniles in the wild can be challenging due to their muted colors compared to adults.
Breeding and nesting habits of the blue-throated mountain-gem
Mating behaviors
During the breeding season, male blue-throated mountain-gems engage in courtship by perching at mid-levels in trees and producing a repeated monotonous squeak.
Nesting details
Nest sites vary from 1 to 30 feet above ground, usually well sheltered or placed on exposed roots on undercut stream banks, under eaves, or bridges. Nests are compact cups built by the female using grasses, moss, fibers, and spider webs, featuring a unique green moss covering among North American hummingbird nests.
Eggs and chick-rearing
While specific details on the number of eggs and chick-rearing are not provided, nests may be reused several times, suggesting a stable environment for raising young. Suitable garden habitats can include providing sheltered branches or installing structures mimicking eaves or bridges.
What does a blue-throated mountain-gem like to eat?
Insects
Nectar
Natural diet
The blue-throated mountain-gem primarily consumes nectar and insects. This bird extracts nectar from flowers and heavily feeds on small insects and spiders. It is capable of surviving on insects and spiders alone during dry seasons when flowering is scarce.
Bird feeders
In addition to its natural diet, the blue-throated mountain-gem also consumes sugar-water mixtures commonly found in hummingbird feeders.
Creating a friendly environment for blue-throated mountain-gems
To attract the beautiful blue-throated mountain-gem to your yard, first ensure you have a welcoming environment. These hummingbirds tend to frequent environments with rich nectar sources. To create this in your yard, you might want to consider planting flowers with high nectar content such as agastache, honeysuckles, and sages.
Feeder types and snacks for blue-throated mountain-gems
Blue-throated Mountain-gems are most comfortable with feeders that are light in color, preferably red or orange. These colours often simulate the vibrant colors found in their natural habitats, and can help attract them effectively. The best food for them is nectar, but you can also supplement this with some Bird Buddy seeds. These seeds are expertly chosen for the season and have consistently brought great results.
Fun tricks to keep blue-throated mountain-gems around
After successfully attracting the hummingbirds to your yard, you might want to consider implementing some tricks to keep them around longer. One effective method is by setting up a water mist or spray. Hummingbirds love water and cannot resist the allure of flying through a mist or spray. This not only keeps them cool and clean but also provides them with a fun activity. Just maybe, you might be lucky enough to engage them in a joyous sing-along!
Where can you find blue-throated mountain-gems?
Primary habitat
The blue-throated mountain-gem is predominantly found in shady mountain canyons near flowing water within the U.S.
Additional range
Its secondary habitats include streamside sycamores, pine-oak woods, and coniferous forests without any noted preference for climate.
Do they migrate?
The blue-throated mountain-gem is a hummingbird species that exhibits migratory behavior, particularly for populations located in the United States. While probably a permanent resident throughout much of its range in Mexico, the U.S. populations exhibit distinct migratory patterns. In the United States, these birds typically breed at higher elevations during the warmer months and depart in the fall. By late summer or early autumn, they begin their southward migration towards their Mexican habitats where temperatures remain more moderate during the colder months of the year. However, some blue-throated mountain-gems are known to occasionally spend the winter at feeders in sheltered canyon areas in Arizona, where food resources remain available despite cooler conditions. These canyons provide a viable environment due to the presence of feeder stations and sheltered microclimates. Thus, while Mexican populations largely remain permanent residents, U.S. birds undertake a migratory journey mainly between the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, synchronizing their movements with seasonal food availability and temperature changes.
What is the role of blue-throated mountain-gems in nature and how to protect them?
Conservation status
The blue-throated mountain-gem is considered vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss in Mexico, which is a significant threat to its survival. While its range in the U.S. may have expanded slightly in recent decades, the overall population is at risk. Key conservation efforts are focused on preserving and restoring its natural habitat to prevent further decline. Maintaining and improving habitat connectivity and quality are crucial strategies in conserving this species. Continued monitoring and conservation actions are essential to address ongoing threats and support population stability.
Ecological role of blue-throated mountain-gems
Its role in the ecosystem
The blue-throated mountain-gem, known for its white eggs and ability to raise up to three broods per year, is an essential part of the ecosystem in several ways. Notably, its diet largely constitutes nectar from flowers and small insects and spiders, effectively functioning as a form of natural pest control. This feeding behavior helps maintain a balance in the insect population, thereby preventing potential plagues. In the process of feeding on nectar, they also play a critical role in pollination, aiding in the reproduction of flowers. Additionally, their nesting behavior in varying locations, from trees to under the eaves of houses, provides them with important roles in seed dispersal across different habitats. Altogether, the blue-throated mountain-gem significantly contributes to preserving the biological diversity and natural equilibrium of our ecosystems.
How to help protect blue-throated mountain-gems
Preservation tips
Conservation strategies for blue-throated mountain-gem
Support conservation groups that are dedicated to protecting the blue-throated mountain-gem and its habitat. Advocate for or contribute to the preservation of cloud forests, which are home to these birds. Participate in reforestation programs, and discourage deforestation. Support policies that limit the exploitation of these habitats.
Community science initiatives
Participate in community science initiatives focused on bird watching and counting. Record and report sightings of the blue-throated mountain-gem, which helps researchers track their population and migration patterns. Raising awareness about the bird species in the local community by hosting talks or seminars also contributes to its preservation.