Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Lampornis clemenciae
Overview
The largest hummingbird regularly found in the United States, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem dazzles with its brilliant sky-blue gorget. Found in high mountain canyons of southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and the Chisos Mountains of Texas.
Length
11.5–12.5 cm (4.5–5 in)
Weight
6–10 g
Wingspan
18 cm (7.1 in)
Lifespan
Up to 12 years
Fun Fact
“Blue-throated Mountain-gems are so loud for a hummingbird that their calls can be heard from over 100 feet away!”
Fascinating Facts
- 1
Largest hummingbird regularly occurring in the US
- 2
Males have a distinctive loud call — 'seep seep'
- 3
Blue gorget shines brilliantly only in direct light
- 4
Often nests on ledges behind waterfalls
- 5
Will aggressively defend feeding territories
- 6
One nest has been used across multiple years
Migration & Nesting
Northward Migration
April–May
Southward Migration
September–October
Nesting Season
May–August
Garden Tips & Preferred Flowers
Plant these nectar-rich flowers to attract Blue-throated Mountain-gem to your garden:
