AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Cynanthus canivetii
Canivet's Emerald
(Lesson, 1832)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small hummingbird notable for its distinctly long and deeply forked tail. The adult male is almost entirely covered in glittering metallic emerald-green feathers, with a bright red or orange bill tipped in black. The female is less conspicuous, displaying a bronze-green back, a solid light gray breast and underparts, and a shorter, less forked dark blue tail with white tips.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Caprimulgiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Trochilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cynanthus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Lesson, 1832)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Primarily found in semi-open dry zones, secondary growth forests, scrublands, arid tropical scrub, and heavily degraded ancient forests. They adapt extremely well to disturbed areas, urban gardens, and deciduous woodland clearings from sea level up to moderate montane elevations.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and highly active. They establish linear foraging paths known as trap-lines, flying rapidly from flower cluster to flower cluster. They are highly territorial over small feeding clusters, maintaining a constant watch from low twigs and using rapid tail-flicks when excited.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary. They generally avoid contact with other birds except to chase them out of defined feeding boundaries. Even mating is brief, followed immediately by complete separation of the pair.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore and aerial insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds primarily on sugar-rich nectar from native shrubs, trees (like Acacias and Legumes), and ornamental garden plants. They supplement this with small gnats, spiders, and plant lice. Main predators include kestrels, small owls, larger tree lizards, and large spiders.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The male courts the female by performing steep, U-shaped aerial displays accompanied by high-pitched wing-buzzing sounds. The female alone constructs a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, lining it with soft down and camouflage lichens tied with spider webs.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
8.0 - 9.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.3 g - 2.7 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
13 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Displays a brilliant, uniform glittering golden-green to emerald plumage, an extremely elongated, deeply forked blue-black tail, and a bright red beak with a fine black tip.
Females Multi-lang
Features a metallic bronze-green upper back with plain, clean grayish-white underparts. A prominent white stripe runs behind the eyes, and the tail is shorter, dark blue, with notable white tips on outer feathers.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The elongated, heavily scissor-like tail allows for high maneuverability during intricate flight patterns around clustered thorn forest blossoms.
Capable of inducing torpor, a temporary state of decreased physiological activity and metabolic rate, to survive cold nights or periods of nectar scarcity.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of micro-habitats and nesting structures due to urbanization and wide conversion of native arid scrublands into intensive cattle pastures.
Heavy application of chemical insecticides in rural agricultural edges, which effectively decimates the small insect populations vital for breeding hens and growth of chicks.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike many forest-dwelling hummingbirds, this species frequently visits lower-growth scrub flowers and can thrive comfortably even in dry coastal habitats.
During aggressive aerial borders disputes, males fan out their split tails wide to look larger and intimidate rivals with sudden sharp buzzes.