Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Common name: Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Scientific name: Lampornis clemenciae
Clades: Lampornithini - Mountain-gems
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem is the largest hummingbird found in the USA. It is 11.2 to 12.8 cm (4.4 to 5.0 in) long. Males weigh an average of 8.4 g (0.30 oz) and females 6.8 g (0.24 oz).
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem is a remarkable species of hummingbird renowned for its large size, setting it apart from many of its counterparts. Both males and females exhibit a striking combination of colors and patterns. Their gray underbellies, dusky-greenish backs, brown rumps, and sizable dark tails adorned with prominent white corners make them a sight to behold.
One of the most distinctive features of the male Blue-throated Mountain-gem is its vibrant blue throat patch, which can be a challenge to observe unless the light strikes it just right. This feature adds a stunning touch to an already captivating bird. Additionally, the presence of a white eyebrow and a short white mustache stripe further accentuates its unique appearance.
This captivating species is primarily found in canyons and mountains adorned with mixed pine-oak forests, mainly inhabiting the regions of Mexico with a limited extension into the United States. Resembling the Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem, distinguishing the two can be challenging, particularly when the throat color is not apparent. However, key markers to delineate between them include the Blue-throated Mountain-gem's larger size and paler overall appearance, along with the presence of larger white (as opposed to gray) tips on its tail feathers.
In comparison to the Rivoli's Hummingbird, especially the females, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem can be identified by its shorter bill and plainer, less speckled underparts.
3 subspecies:
L. c. bessophilus
Distribution SW USA (SE Arizona, S New Mexico) to NW Mexico (E Sonora, W Chihuahua, Durango).L. c. phasmorus
Distribution breeds southwestern United States (Chisos Mountains, Texas); populations in central western Nuevo Leon (Mexico) possibly also this subspecies. Migratory, but nonbreeding range unknown).L. c. clemenciae
Distribution mountains of NE, C and S Mexico (Sierra Madre Oriental and C plateau S to Oaxaca).
taken in Mexico
taken in the United States
