The Cuban Emerald (Riccordia ricordii) is a humming bird that is described as 'pugnacious' in a number of the sources I have accessed. That's not how I remember this bird - but I was probably just being too excited at being in the presence of hummers to cast a judgement on its behaviour!
Despite its common name this species can be found in a few places outside of Cuba including on Grand Bahama. These birds were all photographed in Cuba.
As can be seen from a number of these images, this species will readily feed around feeders, and readily uses other human-made habitats including gardens. Possibly because of this adaptability, this species is not considered to be under threat.
Male Cuban emeralds are between 10.5 and 11.5 cm long, while females are 9.5 to 10.5 cm long. The species weighs between 2.5 and 5 g (0.088 and 0.18 oz). So while it may be pugnacious it is not very big!
I'd love to get back to the wider Americas to see more species of humming bird - but I think I may have to wait a while. Meanwhile I will be in the second week of my current adventure when this post publishes.
Hope all is well. Stewart M.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteThey are rather mesmeric, aren't they? Lovely shots, as always. YAM xx
Love the Cuban Emerald shots. Hope I can see one in person someday too.
ReplyDelete