Black Jacobin
Black Jacobin (Florisuga fusca)
Name Origin:
The genus name Florisuga combines the Latin flos meaning “flower” and sugere meaning “to suck,” referring to its nectar-feeding behavior. The species name fusca comes from the Latin fuscus meaning “dark” or “dusky,” describing the deep, sooty coloration of this species.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in)
⚖️ Weight: 6.5–8 g (0.23–0.28 oz)
🌎 Range: Eastern and southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones)
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to 1,500 m (4,920 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Atlantic rainforest, coastal slopes, forest edges, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Florisugini "Jacobins" (large tropical hummingbirds)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic species with no recognized subspecies.
Distribution: Found along the Atlantic slope of eastern Brazil from Bahia and Minas Gerais south through São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, extending into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province). Occurs in humid forest, secondary growth, and coastal hills.
Species Overview
The Black Jacobin is a striking and vocal hummingbird of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its bold black-and-white plumage, strong aerial displays, and loud calls make it a dominant species at flowering trees and feeders. Endemic to the Atlantic slope, it plays an important role as a pollinator of tall forest canopy blooms.
Male Description:
The male is mostly black with iridescent blue-green gloss on the head and upperparts, a white band on the rump, and white outer tail feathers that flash during flight. The underparts are deep black with a subtle purplish sheen. The long, slightly decurved bill is black. In flight, the white rump and tail contrast sharply with the dark body.
Female Description:
The female closely resembles the male but may appear slightly duller with less metallic sheen and a more brownish-black underside. Juveniles show faint mottling on the throat. Females are equally assertive at feeders and territorial over rich flower patches.
Habitat & Behavior:
This species inhabits humid Atlantic forest, secondary growth, and forest edges, from sea level to montane slopes. It often visits canopy flowers such as Erythrina, Inga, and Heliconia, and readily feeds at garden feeders. The Black Jacobin’s flight is strong, direct, and highly maneuverable, often accompanied by loud, squeaky calls. Males perform aggressive chases and territorial displays, dominating feeding areas against smaller species.
Conservation Note:
The Black Jacobin is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and remains widespread and locally common throughout its range. However, deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Atlantic Forest have reduced available habitat. It adapts well to secondary growth and human-modified landscapes. Protecting Atlantic Forest remnants and reforestation corridors remains essential for maintaining healthy populations of this striking and ecologically important hummingbird.
