Green Mango

The Green Mango (Anthracothorax viridis) is a vibrant emerald and sapphire hummingbird reaching 4.3-5.5 inches and weighing around 0.25 ounces. Endemic to Puerto Rico, this nectarivore inhabits dense mountain rainforests and plantations 800-1, 200 meters in elevation on the main island.

• Common Name(s): Green Mango
• Family: Trochilidae
• Body Dimensions: 11–14 cm
• Male Plumage Color(s): Emerald Green Upperparts, Metallic Blue-Green Underparts, Metallic Blue-Black Tail With White Tips
• Female Plumage Color(s): Tiny White Spot Behind Eye
• Habitat: Forests and Plantations
• Diet: Nectar, Arthropods
• Native Countries: Puerto Rico
• Continent(s): North America
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1801
• Taxonomist(s): Jean Baptiste Audebert, Louis Pierre Vieillot

Green Mango Fun Facts

• Bold black and white-tipped tail feathers contrast the brilliant green upper plumage and metallic teal underparts of the Green Mango. Females sport a tiny white spot behind the eye.
• The species undertakes seasonal altitudinal movements tracking the flowering schedules of favored nectar plants from canopy to understory.
• An important pollinator, the pugnacious Green Mango also supplements its diet with spiders and insects snatched in midair.
• While the Green Mango’s population size and trends remain uncertain, the species is currently considered common and not at risk (i.e., Least Concern) by the IUCN^[1].
• It seems to nest in man-made coffee and fruit habitats readily. The long breeding season lasts from October to May. Lichen-decorated cup nests woven of plant fibers are situated high on vertical branches. Typical clutch size numbers two eggs.

Suggested Reading:

Puerto Rican Emerald

Species Name: Riccordia maugaeus

Follow a tiny metallic-hued hovercraft nimbly navigating the maze of mangroves, forests, and gardens spanning Puerto Rico. Well-adapted to myriad nesting sites, this Emerald hummingbird flits freely, relying on a diverse nectar supply to counter any migration need. Learn how keeping multiple doors open through habitat connectivity sustains this abundantly welcome wildcard across the island.

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This adaptable hummingbird’s endemic status and critical pollination services make the Green Mango an integral component of Puerto Rican Forest ecosystems.

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