The Enchanting Wine-throated Hummingbird of San Marcos

Wine-throated Hummingbird © Gabriel Rodríguez Coloma @garocos_photography

We asked Guatemalan birding guide, photographer, and conservationist Gabriel Rodríguez Coloma to write about his favorite hummingbird. As you can see below, he has a strong affection for the Wine-throated Hummingbird (Selasphorus ellioti). Read his story to learn why:

Nestled in the cloud forests of the San Marcos Astillero Municipal Regional Park in Guatemala, a natural haven lies between the watersheds of the Naranjo and Suchiate rivers in northwestern Guatemala. Amid misty elevations ranging from 6900 to more than 10,000 feet (2100 to 3100 meters) one can find a most stunning hummingbird species: the Wine-throated Hummingbird, affectionately called the "Guatemalan Buzzer."

While the Wine-throated Hummingbird can be found in some areas in southern Mexico and as far south as Honduras, this vibrant creature thrives under the shadows of Central America’s two highest volcanoes, Tajumulco and Tacaná in Guatemala. Despite its tiny stature (less than 2.76 inches or 7cm), its magenta-pink gorget dazzles observers, creating an impressive display of colors from golden green to intense magenta. Its flight, reminiscent of a bumblebee, is as captivating as its plumage, making him an astonishing jaw-dropper in the middle of the forest!

A unique feature of the Wine-throated Hummingbird is its vocalization, which resembles a series of laser-like sounds. Males, particularly during courtship, sing relentlessly from exposed perches within shrubby clearings and the edges of pine and oak forests. This melodic display is part of their effort to captivate females, whose subtler beauty lies in their light brown bodies, dark-spotted throats, and greenish-yellow wings.

Wine-throated Hummingbird © Gabriel Rodríguez Coloma @garocos_photography

This little fellow shown in the accompanying photos is an occasional performer, appearing for the camera only from 7:00 AM until noon before retreating into the dense forest until the next day. The females, however, are elusive and rarely photographed, adding to their mystique.

The best time to witness these tiny marvels is between mid-September and early January, when they grace the park of San Marcos. Their diet consists of nectar from various flowering plants and small insects, which provide essential protein for their high-energy lifestyle.

Known for their courtship antics, Wine-throated Hummingbirds are among the most active and flamboyant of hummingbirds. Their wing and tail stretches, paired with the dazzling display of their gorgets, make them true showstoppers. It’s without a doubt one of my favorite hummingbirds in Guatemala!

However, these extraordinary creatures face significant threats from deforestation and agricultural expansion. Currently their conservation status is listed as "least concern," but protecting their habitat is crucial—not only for preserving the Wine-throated Hummingbird but for ensuring the survival of all hummingbird species. 

Let’s work together to spread the message of conservation and protect the breathtaking biodiversity of our forests so future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of nature. —Gabriel Rodríguez Coloma

Wine-throated Hummingbird © Gabriel Rodríguez Coloma @garocos_photography