Black-throated Mango
Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
Name Origin:
The genus name Anthracothorax comes from the Greek anthrax meaning “coal” and thorax meaning “chest,” referring to the dark plumage on the throat and breast of many species in this genus. The species name nigricollis is derived from the Latin niger meaning “black” and collum meaning “neck,” directly describing the bird’s black throat and central stripe.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: 6–7 g (0.21–0.25 oz)
🌎 Range: Eastern Panama through most of tropical South America east of the Andes to southeastern Brazil
🧭 Elevation: Lowlands to 1,200 m (3,940 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Forest edges, clearings, savannas, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Polytmini "Mangoes" (large-bodied tropical hummingbirds)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic species with no recognized subspecies.
Distribution: Found from eastern Panama and northern Colombia east across Venezuela, the Guianas, and Amazonian Brazil, south through eastern Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and southeastern Brazil to northeastern Argentina. Occupies a broad range of lowland habitats including forest borders, gallery woodland, plantations, and gardens.
Species Overview
The Black-throated Mango is one of the most widespread and easily recognized tropical hummingbirds. Its sleek body, dark central breast stripe, and glossy plumage give it a sharp, elegant appearance. It thrives in open and semi-open environments, where its strong, direct flight and confident behavior make it a dominant presence at flowering trees.
Male Description:
The male has metallic green upperparts, a black throat and chest stripe bordered by bright blue-green sides, and white lower underparts. The tail is dark blue with a purplish sheen and a shallow fork. The bill is medium-length and straight. In bright light, the contrast between the glossy black stripe and shining green flanks is striking.
Female Description:
The female is distinctive, with green upperparts and a dark central stripe running down a white belly and chest. Her tail is blue-green with broad white tips. She is slightly smaller than the male and often seen hovering near flowering trees or aggressively defending feeders.
Habitat & Behavior:
Common in open and semi-open habitats, the Black-throated Mango frequents forest edges, riverbanks, plantations, and suburban gardens. It feeds on nectar from trees such as Erythrina, Inga, and Calliandra, often high in the canopy, and supplements its diet with small insects. Its flight is strong and direct, and males frequently chase intruders from flowering territories.
Conservation Note:
The Black-throated Mango is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and remains abundant across its vast range. Its tolerance of human-altered habitats and use of ornamental flowering trees make it one of the most successful tropical hummingbirds. Continued protection of lowland forests and riparian corridors ensures its ongoing stability and ecological role as a key pollinator.
