About Lampornis castaneoventris (Gould, 1851)
Species Identification
Lampornis castaneoventris (Gould, 1851), commonly called the grey-tailed mountaingem (also referred to as the white-throated mountaingem), is a hummingbird species that grows to about 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and weighs approximately 5 to 6 g (0.18 to 0.21 oz).
Shared Morphological Traits
All individuals have a medium-length straight black bill, dark cheeks, and a white stripe behind the eye.
Male Plumage Characteristics
Males have mostly dark bronzy green upperparts, with an emerald green crown and a black to bluish black tail. Males' chin and throat are white, the sides of the neck and upper breast are bright green, and the lower breast and vent area are dark gray.
Female Plumage Characteristics
Females have entirely bright green upperparts. Their central tail feathers are dark metallic to bronze green, and the outer tail feathers are paler. Females' throat and belly are dark rufous, and their undertail coverts are gray with white or buff edges.
Geographic Range
This species is found only in the mountains of western Panama's Chiriquí Province and south-central Costa Rica.
Habitat Preferences
It inhabits the interior, edges, and shrubby clearings of oak forest, as well as gardens in communities near forested areas.
Elevational Range
It occurs at elevations ranging from 1,500 m (4,900 ft) up to the timberline.
