Purple-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis calolaemus)

Name Origin:
The genus Lampornis is from Greek lampros meaning “brilliant” and ornis meaning “bird,” referring to the vivid plumage. The species epithet calolaemus combines Greek kalos meaning “beautiful” and laimos meaning “throat,” referring to the male’s vibrant gorget.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~5.5–6.5 g (0.19–0.23 oz)
🌎 Range: Southern Nicaragua through Costa Rica to western Panama
🧭 Elevation: 750–2,500 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid montane forest, edges, and clearings
🧬 Clade: Lampornithini (a.k.a. “mountain-gems”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Three subspecies:

Lampornis calolaemus pectoralis
Distribution: Extreme southern Nicaragua to northwestern Costa Rica (Cordillera de Guanacaste)
Lampornis calolaemus calolaemus
Distribution: Cordillera Central and extreme northern Cordillera de Talamanca in central Costa Rica
Lampornis calolaemus homogenes
Distribution: Pacific slope of southern Costa Rica (likely) and western Panama (central Chiriquí to Coclé)

Species Overview

The Purple-throated Mountain-gem is a bold, forest-dwelling hummingbird common in highland areas of Costa Rica and western Panama. Males have brilliant purple gorgets that flare in the light, contrasting with a white breast band and metallic green upperparts. Females are more muted but still striking, with cinnamon underparts and strong facial markings. They’re vocal, aggressive, and dominate feeders and flower patches.

Male Description:
Metallic green upperparts, brilliant violet-purple throat, white chest band, and dusky belly. White postocular stripe and straight black bill. Tail dark with pale tips.

Female Description:
Green upperparts, cinnamon underparts, white throat, and strong white facial stripe. Tail with rufous base and darker terminal band. Shares overall structure and posture with the male.

Habitat & Behavior:
Found in cloud forest, humid montane forest, and edges from 750 to 2,500 meters. Regular at flowering plants and feeders, where they aggressively defend resources. Males are especially territorial. Often perches conspicuously and vocalizes with sharp, chattering calls. Forages in both canopy and lower levels, feeding on nectar and catching small insects in flight.

Conservation Note:
This species is common and secure throughout its range. It thrives in a mix of forested and semi-cleared habitats and is present in numerous reserves across Costa Rica and Panama. While climate shifts could affect elevational ranges, the species remains stable for now.

Below is the Purple-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis calolaemus calolaemus)

Photographed at Corso Lechería Tour, Catarata del Toro, La Paz Waterfalls, and Hotel Quelitales, Alajuela and Cartago, Costa Rica

These individuals belong to the subspecies calolaemus, which inhabits the Cordillera Central and northern Talamanca in central Costa Rica. It is the nominate form, showing the full intensity of the male’s brilliant purple gorget, green upperparts, and white breast band. This population occupies mid to upper montane zones and is known for being especially bold and aggressive around feeding territories.