Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #34

By Jim Gain

6/6/2023

• Scientific Name: Florisuga mellivora
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Colibrí Capucha Azul
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: WNJA
• Family: Trochilidae – Hummingbirds
• Order: Caprimulgiformes – Nightjars and Hummingbirds

About this Species

The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a species of hummingbird that can be found in Belize, as well as throughout Central and South America. It is a medium-sized hummingbird, with a distinctive white patch on its neck and a glittering green body. Males have a slightly more iridescent green coloration and a longer bill than females.

White-necked Jacobins are known for their aerial acrobatics, and can be frequently seen performing courtship displays and territorial flights. They are also important pollinators, visiting a wide range of flowering plants in search of nectar. In addition to nectar, they may also feed on small insects and spiders.

Breeding occurs throughout the year in Belize, with females typically constructing a cup-shaped nest made of plant fibers and spider silk. Clutches usually consist of two eggs, which are incubated for around 16-18 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated nectar and insects by their mother. Juvenile birds fledge at around 21-24 days of age, and may continue to receive parental care for several weeks afterwards.

>> Next Post on Friday, 6/9/2023 – Ruddy Crake

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin