Blue-throated Mountain-gem
NameBlue-throated Mountain-gem
Common NameBlue-throated Mountain-gem
Scientific NameLampornis clemenciae
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsMales have a brilliant iridescent blue gorget (throat patch), a prominent white stripe extending behind the eye, and a dull green back and flanks. Their underparts are grayish. Females are similar but lack the blue gorget, having a grayish throat. Both sexes have a long, straight black bill and a dark tail with white tips on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include sharp, high-pitched chips and squeaky notes, often given while foraging or perched. They also produce a distinctive whirring sound from their wings.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in mountainous regions of the southwestern United States (primarily southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas) and central Mexico.
Identifying Featureslarge size for a hummingbird, iridescent blue throat (male), prominent white stripe behind eye, long straight black bill, dark tail with white tips
Description
This is a large hummingbird, with males distinguished by a brilliant iridescent blue throat and a prominent white stripe behind the eye. They are often found foraging for nectar in mountain forests and canyons, hovering gracefully at flowers.
