Garden Emerald

Common name: Garden Emerald
Scientific name: Chlorostilbon assimilis
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds

The Garden Emerald is 7.8 to 8.5 cm (3.1 to 3.3 in) long and weighs about 3 to 4.1 g (0.11 to 0.14 oz).

The Garden Emerald a diminutive species with a confined habitat, presents a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts. The male, resplendent in a lustrous green plumage, is easily recognizable by its dark, forked tail and a straight, all-black bill. Notably, it lacks the coppery rump characteristic of the Steely-vented Hummingbird, setting it apart in the avian world.

In contrast, the female exhibits a pristine white underbelly, accentuated by a striking black cheek and a delicate white line behind the eye. Its resemblance to the Canivet’s Emerald is remarkable; however, the absence of overlapping habitats distinguishes the Garden Emerald from its counterpart.

These enchanting creatures are typically spotted in second-growth areas, gardens, and forest peripheries, adding a touch of vibrancy to these natural settings. Their limited range only adds to the allure and importance of preserving their preferred environments, making each sighting a precious encounter for bird lovers worldwide.

Distribution SW Costa Rica (Térraba Valley and Dota Mts) and the arid Pacific coast of Panama (including Coiba I and Pearl Is).