The Green-breasted Mango is a hummingbird of tropical America. They are normally found near the coasts of central and southern Mexico, and in Central America, but populations also occur in a few locations in northern South America. They were unknown in the United States until a bird was identified in south Texas in 1988. While still a very rare vagrant in the United States, they have been found a number of times since, mostly in south Texas and a few in Florida, but also with single sightings in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Georgia. A female Green-breasted Mango, has an obvious central stripe on light-colored underparts. Males (depicted in the drawing on the right) have a brilliant green plumage on their underparts.
Habitat
Green-breasted Mangos are primarily found in open woodlands and savannahs, as well as around tropical deciduous forests, typically at lower elevations up to around 3,000 feet. They also have adapted to vegetated suburban habitats.
Diet
Typical diet of hummingbirds, primarily nectar, but insects also comprise a portion of the diet.
Behavior
Males establish feeding territories and aggressively defend them against other hummingbirds.
Nesting
Males form loose breeding groups, displaying to passing females through high display flights. Females build the nest mostly from plant fibers, and camoflague the outside with bits of moss. The female also incubates the eggs and raises the young.
Song
Males sing a buzzing song during courting. They also have a high-pitched " tsip " call.
Migration
Permanent populations are present in most of the eastern portion of its range, particularly in Central America and around the Yucatan peninsula. Birds that summer on the central Mexico Gulf coast are migratory, moving eastward for the winter, or south to the Pacific coast.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Green-breasted Mango sightings
Feeders
Will attend hummingbird feeders
Similar Species
Similar to other Mango species, particularly the Veraguan Mango and the Black-throated Mango. However, those species have not been seen in the ABA North America region.
Conservation Status
No conservation concerns are presently noted for the species
Further Information
- eBird - Green-breasted Mango
- Audubon Field Guide - Green-breasted Mango
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Green-breasted Mango
2) WhatBird - Green-breasted Mango
3) AvianWeb - Green-breasted Mango
Image Information
Colored pencil drawing by Terry Sohl - 2012
