Hispaniolan Mango

Dominican Republic

Jul 17

Hispaniolan Mango (Anthracothorax dominicus)

Name Origin:
The genus Anthracothorax comes from the Greek anthrax, meaning “coal” or “black,” and thorax, meaning “chest,” referring to the often dark, metallic breast of these birds. The species name dominicus refers to the island of Hispaniola, historically called Santo Domingo.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 10–11.5 cm (3.9–4.5 in)
⚖️ Weight: 5.5–6.5 g (0.19–0.23 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti)
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to ~1,800 m (5,900 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Forest edge, dry scrub, gardens, plantations, mangroves
🧬 Clade: Trochilini “Emeralds and Mangos”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.

Species Overview

The Hispaniolan Mango is a large, island-restricted hummingbird found in a wide variety of habitats. It is highly adaptable and often the most conspicuous hummingbird across much of Hispaniola. Common in gardens, mangroves, plantations, and forest edges, it is known for its bold behavior and territorial aggression.

Male Description:
Glossy dark green overall with a purple-black throat and breast. Tail is long and slightly forked with bronzy to violet iridescence. The wings are dark and broad, adding to its bulky silhouette.

Female Description:
Bronzy green upperparts with grayish underparts and a dark throat patch. The tail has white tips on the outer feathers, helping distinguish it from the male in flight.

Habitat & Behavior:
Thrives in both natural and urbanized settings. Common in dry to humid lowland habitats and often seen feeding at ornamental flowers and feeders. Territorial and aggressive, especially toward other hummingbirds. Nests are usually built in low shrubs or on exposed branches.

Conservation Note:
This species remains common and widespread on Hispaniola and is classified as Least Concern. It is resilient to habitat change and often benefits from human-modified landscapes. However, continued forest degradation, especially in Haiti, could affect local populations.