White-throated Mountain-gem
Common name: White-throated Mountain-gem (Grey-tailed)
Scientific name: Lampornis castaneoventris
Clades: Lampornithini - Mountain-gems
Endemic to Costa Rica
The White-throated Mountain-gem is about 12 cm (4.7 in) long and weighs about 5 to 6 g (0.18 to 0.21 oz).
The White-throated Mountain-gem, a mesmerizing hummingbird species, epitomizes the distinctive physique and demeanor shared by all members of the Lampornis genus. Sporting a medium build, this avian marvel features a sleek black bill, dark auriculars, and a strikingly long white postocular stripe, characteristic of its genus counterparts.
Remarkably, this species showcases sexual dimorphism, distinguishing the male and female with unique aesthetics. The male White-throated Mountain-gem stands out with lustrous green upper plumage, a captivating white throat, a verdant breast, and a distinguished dark gray belly. In stark contrast, the female boasts entirely rufous or cinnamon rufous underparts, adding to the allure of this enchanting species.
2 subspecies:
White-throated Mountain-gem (Blue-tailed)
L. c. castaneoventris
Distribution Extreme W Panama (mountains in W Chiriquí).
White-throated Mountain-gem (Gray-tailed)
2. L. c. cinereicauda
Distribution Cordillera de Talamanca, in S Costa Rica.
