WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN
Florisuga mellivora
DESCRIPTION
The White-necked Jacobin is a striking hummingbird known for its vibrant plumage, featuring a brilliant green body and a distinctive white neck. Males exhibit a more vivid coloration compared to females, which are generally less colorful but still possess a beautiful greenish hue. This species is often found in the understory of tropical forests, where it displays territorial behavior, aggressively defending its feeding areas from other hummingbirds.
FUN FACTS
- The White-necked Jacobin is known for its incredible flying abilities, capable of hovering in place and flying backward, which allows it to access nectar from various flowers efficiently
- Additionally, these hummingbirds have a unique way of communicating through their rapid wing beats, which can create a humming sound that is often used to establish territory or attract mates.| This species plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a pollinator, helping to fertilize flowers as it moves from plant to plant in search of nectar
- Its presence is vital for the reproduction of many flowering plants in its habitat, showcasing the interconnectedness of species within tropical ecosystems
QUICK INFO
Lifespan3-5 years in the wild
Average Weight3-4 g
Average Length9-11 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuresolitary, with males often defending individual feeding territories
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- This species inhabits humid tropical forests, often near water sources such as streams and rivers. It prefers areas with abundant flowering plants for feeding.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- The White-necked Jacobin is native to Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to western Ecuador.
- Continent
- North America, South America
- Countries
- Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador
- Diet
- The White-necked Jacobin primarily feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, using its long bill to access deep flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders for protein.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- nectar, small insects
- Social Structure
- solitary, with males often defending individual feeding territories
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
3-4 g
Weight
9-11 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brilliant green body with a white neck and dark blue crown
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are more colorful than females
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of the White-necked Jacobin is currently stable, with no significant declines reported.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion poses a threat to the White-necked Jacobin. However, it is currently not facing any immediate threats to its population.
- Predators
- Praying mantises, larger birds, and some reptiles may prey on the White-necked Jacobin, particularly when it is feeding or nesting.
- Defense Mechanisms
- The White-necked Jacobin uses its agility and speed to evade predators, often performing rapid flight maneuvers.
- Compatible Animals
- other hummingbirds, small songbirds
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon