Nature

Bird-Watchers Delight: Rare Hummingbird Makes Appearance in Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

While the rest of the world is anxiously preparing for the arrival of the “big man in red” soon, birders from all over the country are just as excited about the appearance of a “little bird in green.” The Green-breasted Mango hummingbird has been making a rare appearance in Texas at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center in McAllen. Not seen in Texas since 2009, this tropical bird is attracting birders from as far away as Alaska.

Widespread in Mexico

Mango Hummingbird

Photo: Flickr/Kathy & sam

According to the Audubon Society, Mangos are rather large hummingbirds with slightly curved bills, living around forest edges and clearings in tropical lowlands. This species is widespread in the American tropics and ranges as far north as northeastern Mexico. It has strayed north into Texas at least 20 times, with scattered records elsewhere, as far east as Georgia and as far north as Wisconsin.

Male Mangos sing from high perches, repeating a twangy song three or four times in a row. When feeding on insects or nectar, these Mangos frequently fan out their tails. The female Green-breasted Mango also has green upper parts, but the stripe down the throat and breast is narrower and is blackish green; it also is bordered laterally with a long white stripe (so the female lacks the glittering blue of the male). The tips of the tail feathers of the female are white.

The Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center

Birdwatchers

Photo: Facebook/McAllenQuintaMazatlan

The Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center is a premier birding destination in south Texas. Leisurely walking the quiet trails through Quinta Mazatlan, you will find yourself insulated from the rush and noise of the surrounding city. As you relax and become attuned to your surroundings, you will discover a magical world of birds and other wildlife flourishing at this remarkable urban oasis. Over 250 different species of birds have been documented on the property, 

To learn more about the sighting of the Green-breasted Mango hummingbird in south Texas, follow the Facebook page for the Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center.