White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)

Name Origin: The genus name Florisuga derives from Latin, with flos, floris meaning "flower" and sugere meaning "to suck," referencing the bird's nectar-feeding behavior. The species name mellivora means "honey-eating" from Latin mel (honey) and vorare (to devour).

Quick Facts

🧶 Length: 11.4–13 cm (4.5–5.1 in)

⚖️ Weight: 6.5–9 g (0.23–0.32 oz)

🌎 Range: Southern Mexico through Central America to western Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, the Guianas, and Amazonian Brazil

🏪 Elevation: Sea level to 900 m (2,950 ft), rarely higher

🌺 Diet: Nectar and small insects

🏡 Habitat: Lowland rainforests, forest edges, plantations, gardens

🧬 Clade: Florisuginae “Topazes”

📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Two subspecies:

Florisuga mellivora mellivora
Distribution: Found from southern Mexico through Panama, into Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, the Guianas, western Ecuador, southeastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and Amazonian Brazil.
Florisuga mellivora flabellifera
Distribution: Restricted to Tobago.

Species Overview

The White-necked Jacobin is a striking and charismatic hummingbird of lowland tropical forests. Named for the bold white collar on males, this species is one of the more recognizable hummingbirds across its broad range. It is commonly seen at feeders and flowering shrubs and plays a prominent role in pollination networks.

Male Description: Adult males are unmistakable, with deep blue heads and throats, white napes and bellies, and iridescent green backs. The upper tail is blue-black and slightly forked. This brilliant coloration makes the male one of the more photogenic hummingbirds.

Female Description: Females are highly variable. Most have green upperparts and white underparts with heavy green or blue spotting on the throat and flanks. Some resemble males but lack full iridescence. Their tail is broadly tipped white.

Habitat & Behavior: Typically found in forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It frequents gardens and plantations, especially where Heliconia and other nectar plants are abundant. Males often perch conspicuously to sing and display, while females are more cryptic. Their flight is fast and direct, often accompanied by sharp chips or metallic calls. They are known for aggressive behavior at feeders or rich nectar sources.

Conservation Note: The White-necked Jacobin remains widespread and adaptable, thriving in both natural and human-altered habitats. It is considered of Least Concern by IUCN, with stable populations across its range. Continued availability of flowering plants and reduction in pesticide use are key to its ongoing success.

Photographed Individuals of White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora mellivora)

Photographed at:

'Doña Dora', Valle del Cauca, Colombia
La Florida - Bosque de Las Aves, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Nectar & Pollen Reserve, Limón, Costa Rica
Waqanki/Quebrada Mishquiyaquillo, San Martín, Peru
Hotel Minca, Magdalena, Colombia
Asociación para La Conservación de Aves y La Biodiversidad Koepcke's Hermit, San Martín, Peru
Faunal - Observatorio de Aves de Minca, Magdalena, Colombia
Tranki_Garden, Cartago, Costa Rica
Rancho Naturalista, Cartago, Costa Rica

These individuals belong to the subspecies Florisuga mellivora mellivora, which is widely distributed from southern Mexico through Central America and into much of northern South America, including the Andean foothills and Amazon Basin. It occupies lowland and foothill rainforests, plantations, and forest edges, typically below 900 meters elevation. Males are easily distinguished by their brilliant blue heads and prominent white neck patches, often seen defending feeding territories or engaging in aerial displays. Females show more subtle patterns, sometimes mimicking male plumage but generally less iridescent.