The Black Jacobin (Florisuga fusca)—the only other member of the genus Florisuga—is its closest relative (sister species).
4.3 to 4.7 in (11 to 12 cm)
Length
about 5 in (13 cm)
Wingspan
0.21 to 0.28 oz (6 to 8 g)
Weight
About
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a large, brilliantly colored hummingbird of the family Trochilidae, widely distributed from southern Mexico through Central America and into much of northern South America. It thrives in lowland tropical forests, forest edges, and shaded plantations, often frequenting flowering trees and shrubs in clearings or along rivers. Its bold plumage and active behavior make it one of the most easily recognized hummingbirds of the Neotropics.
Measuring 11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in) in length and weighing 7–9 grams, the White-necked Jacobin is larger than many other hummingbirds. Males are especially stunning, with a shimmering blue head and throat, white belly, and a clean white band across the nape that gives the species its name. Their backs are iridescent green, and the tail is dark blue with white corners. Females are more variable, with green upperparts, white underparts speckled with green, and sometimes throat or belly spotting.
This species feeds mainly on nectar from a wide variety of tropical flowers, using its long, straight bill to probe blossoms. It also supplements its diet with insects and spiders, capturing them in midair or gleaning from foliage. Males often dominate feeding territories, chasing rivals with aggressive aerial displays.
During the breeding season, males gather in leks—display courts where they sing and perform flight displays to attract females. After mating, the female builds a tiny cup-shaped nest of plant fibers and spider silk, usually attached to a low branch or vine. She lays two white eggs and raises the chicks alone, feeding them regurgitated nectar and insects until they fledge.
Although widespread and common, the White-necked Jacobin plays an important role as a pollinator in tropical ecosystems. Its beauty, energetic flight, and social lekking behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers across Central and South America.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a strikingly colorful hummingbird recognized for its bold plumage contrasts and large size relative to other hummingbirds.
Head: Adult males have a deep, iridescent blue head and throat that shimmer in sunlight. Females and juveniles are more variable, often with mottled throats and less intense coloration.
Neck and Chest: True to its name, the species displays a prominent white patch across the back of the neck and upper chest, which contrasts sharply with the darker plumage.
Plumage: Males feature glittering blue heads, green backs, and a pure white belly. Females tend to have green upperparts and streaked or spotted underparts, giving them a more camouflaged appearance.
Wings: Long, narrow wings enable rapid hovering flight and agility in dense forest canopies.
Tail: The tail is relatively long, with white outer feathers that flash during flight, aiding in display and communication.
Size:
-
Length: 4.3 to 4.7 in (11 to 12 cm)
-
Weight: 0.21 to 0.28 oz (6 to 8 g)
-
Wingspan: about 5 in (13 cm)
The White-necked Jacobin’s vivid plumage and large, commanding presence make it one of the most conspicuous hummingbirds of Central and South America’s tropical forests.
Reproduction
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) follows the typical hummingbird breeding pattern, with males and females playing very different roles in the reproductive cycle.
Mating and Courtship:
Males gather in leks—small display arenas within the forest—where they perform aerial dives, rapid chases, and wing-fluttering displays to attract females. Their vivid blue plumage and flashing white tail feathers enhance the performance.
Breeding Season:
In much of its range, breeding coincides with peak flowering periods, ensuring abundant nectar and insect prey for the female and her chicks. This may vary regionally but often occurs during the wet season.
Nesting:
The female alone builds a tiny cup-shaped nest of plant down, spider silk, and lichens, usually attached to a branch or hanging twig 1 to 5 m above ground.
Eggs:
She lays 2 small, white eggs, each about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long.
Incubation:
The female incubates alone for about 15 to 19 days, leaving only briefly to feed.
Chick Development:
Chicks hatch blind and nearly featherless. The mother feeds them regurgitated nectar mixed with small insects for protein.
Fledging and Independence:
Young fledge at about 20 to 26 days of age. The female continues to feed them for a short time after fledging until they can forage on their own.
The White-necked Jacobin’s reliance on lek mating and strong female-only parental care reflects the common reproductive strategy of hummingbirds, with colorful males investing in display while females invest in survival of the brood.
Lifespan
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a large, forest-dwelling hummingbird whose longevity reflects intense energy demands balanced by rich tropical resources.
Lifespan in the Wild:
Typically 4 to 6 years, with occasional individuals reaching 7–9 years where food is stable and predation pressure is low.
Lifespan in Captivity:
Seldom kept in captivity due to specialized diets and flight requirements; when managed expertly, similar hummingbirds can approach 8–10 years, but verified records for this species are scarce.
Threats to the White-necked Jacobin:
-
Predation: Small raptors, arboreal snakes, and ambush predators near feeders.
-
Habitat Loss: Deforestation and fragmentation of lowland and foothill forests reduce nesting and foraging sites.
-
Climate Shifts: Altered flowering schedules and rainfall patterns disrupt nectar availability.
-
Human Hazards: Window strikes, outdoor cats, and poorly maintained feeders (moldy sugar water) increase mortality risk.
Protecting continuous tropical forest, maintaining clean feeders, and conserving native flowering plants help sustain White-necked Jacobin populations and support longer, healthier lives.
Eating Habits
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) fuels its high-energy lifestyle with a flexible, nectar-focused diet supplemented by protein-rich arthropods.
Diet
Primarily nectar from flowering trees, shrubs, and understory plants (e.g., Inga, Erythrina, Heliconia, Hamelia). Also consumes tiny insects and spiders—especially during breeding—to supply essential amino acids for chick growth.
Feeding Strategy
Hovers to probe tubular flowers with a medium-length straight bill. Commonly “hawks” small insects in brief aerial sallies from a perch and also gleans from foliage. At abundant resources (or feeders), often takes rapid, repeated visits between short perches.
Territoriality
Males can be assertive at rich nectar sources, chasing rivals and smaller hummingbirds. Where flowers are scattered, individuals may “trap-line,” visiting a repeated circuit of blooms rather than defending a single patch.
Foraging Height & Habitat
Frequently feeds in mid-story to canopy edges of humid forests, second growth, gardens, and clearings—readily using human-provided feeders near forest margins.
Pollination Role
Transfers pollen among a variety of tropical plants; the white chest and face often dust with pollen grains as it probes, making the species an important canopy pollinator.
Energy Demands
Visits hundreds of flowers daily to meet metabolic needs. Enters nocturnal torpor—lowering body temperature and metabolism—to conserve energy when nectar intake is low or nights are cool.
Uniqueness
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a bold, canopy-edge hummingbird with eye-catching contrasts and unusual female plumage variation.
Blue hood, white “collar”
Adult males show a deep iridescent blue head and throat with a crisp white nape and underparts—one of the most striking patterns among Neotropical hummers.
Female polymorphism
Females and immatures are highly variable (spotted, streaked, or nearly male-like). This polymorphism is distinctive and can challenge field identification.
Flashing tail signals
White outer tail feathers flash during chases and display flights, aiding communication and making the species conspicuous at feeders and forest edges.
Lek displays
Males often court at small leks, using rapid aerial dives, wing buzzes, and perch displays—classic hummingbird showmanship.
Feeder dominance
Larger than many coexisting species, jacobins can be assertive at rich nectar sources, frequently displacing smaller hummingbirds.
Canopy-edge specialist
Prefers forest edges, gaps, and clearings but readily uses gardens and lodge feeders—bringing a “wild rainforest” look into human-modified spaces.
Important pollinator
Transfers pollen among diverse tropical flowers; its frequent movements between canopy and edge plants help link fragmented habitats.
Name story
“Jacobin” references the white hood of certain monastic orders, echoed by the male’s bright white nape and chest.
Be the First to Share Photos of This National Park.
FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the White-necked Jacobin?
2. How does the White-necked Jacobin compare to other hummingbirds?
It’s relatively large with a straight, medium bill. Males show a deep blue head, bright white neck and underparts, and flashing white tail edges; females are polymorphic (spotted or male-like). Behaviorally, it often lek-displays, dominates rich feeders, and forages from mid-story to canopy along forest edges.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities for seeing a White-necked Jacobin?
Top spots across its range include:
-
Soberanía National Park (Panama) — Pipeline Road & hummingbird platforms.
-
Braulio Carrillo National Park (Costa Rica) — Caribbean-slope lowland/foothill forests.
-
Yasuní National Park (Ecuador) — Amazonian lodges and river edges.
-
Manu National Park (Peru) — Foothill to lowland rainforest along the Manu River.
-
Jaú National Park (Brazil) — Central Amazon blackwater forests.
-
Amacayacu National Natural Park (Colombia) — Amazonian riverine habitats.
