description White-throated daggerbill Overview
The white-throated daggerbill, Schistes albogularis, is a hummingbird found in humid Andean forests of Colombia and Ecuador. It has a long, narrow bill with a slightly upturned tip, an adaptation suited to feeding from particular tubular flowers, and males show a distinct white throat marking. The species occurs mainly in forest interiors and edges at montane elevations, where it feeds on nectar and also captures small arthropods.
help White-throated daggerbill FAQ
Where can I see a white-throated daggerbill in the wild?
Schistes albogularis occurs in the western Andes of Colombia and western Ecuador, primarily in moist montane forest and cloudforest. It often stays inside dense vegetation or near forest edges and streams, which can make it difficult to observe.
Why is the white-throated daggerbill's bill shaped like a narrow dagger?
Its sharply pointed bill helps it reach tubular flowers and pierce flower bases to steal nectar without entering through the opening. The bird also supplements nectar with small insects caught in flight or taken from vegetation.
How do I distinguish a white-throated daggerbill from Geoffroy's daggerbill?
The white-throated species has prominent white on the lower throat and a much shorter post-ocular marking. Geoffroy's daggerbill has a longer stripe behind the eye and was formerly treated as the same species before major taxonomic authorities adopted a split around 2018.
Are male and female white-throated daggerbills different?
Males show glittering green on the crown, chin, and upper throat, with white across the lower throat. Females lack the same bright forehead and have a more extensively white, relatively unmarked throat.
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