The Madeira hummingbird

Description and characteristics of the Purple-throated Carib

Imagine a bird that literally glows in the sunlight—a living jewel! The Purple-throated Carib is not just any bird; it’s a moving work of art. Measuring just 12 cm and weighing only 7 to 12 grams, it could easily rest in your palm—but don’t be fooled, it’s full of personality! Its dark plumage, which may look black at first glance, transforms in the light into a symphony of colors: a vivid crimson or purplish-red throat and chest, metallic green wings, and a bright blue rump. And that beak! Long and curved, it’s perfectly adapted for reaching deep nectar, such as from the Heliconia caribaea.

Did you know there are differences between males and females? While males impress with longer wings, females have an even more curved bill, allowing them to access specific nectar sources. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Habitat and geographic distribution

The Purple-throated Carib, a true treasure of the Lesser Antilles, has found an ideal home in these tropical islands. Found from Saint Barthélemy to Grenada, it primarily nests in humid mountain forests, generally above 800 meters in elevation. These environments offer privileged access to its favorite nectar—but that’s not all: it can also adapt to human-altered areas, such as banana plantations and tree-filled gardens.

Could there be a more resilient bird? This little acrobat doesn’t hesitate to descend to sea level on certain islands like Saint Lucia, especially in May, to explore new food sources. This flexibility, allowing it to thrive in a range of ecosystems, highlights its impressive adaptability.

You might think such a widespread species would be vulnerable, but the Purple-throated Carib remains remarkably stable: it’s classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Isn’t it reassuring to know that this bird, so present in our gardens and forests, is still so common?

Behavior and diet

With a strongly territorial temperament, it fiercely defends nectar-rich areas—particularly those with Heliconia caribaea and Heliconia bihai plants. This behavior, crucial for its survival, reflects a fascinating co-evolution with these flowering species.

To feed, the Purple-throated Carib prefers nectar from both native and introduced flowers—but that’s not all. A clever strategist, it supplements its diet with small arthropods, caught from spider webs or picked off foliage. Biodiversity lovers will also appreciate its frequent visits to sugar water feeders. This behavior, often observed in gardens, is a reminder of how this bird takes advantage of modified environments—a delicate balance that perfectly illustrates its key role in the ecosystem.

Reproduction and life cycle

The nesting period generally runs from February to May, but can extend from January to September depending on local conditions. The female, a true craftswoman of nature, builds a compact nest suspended from a branch 3 to 5 meters above the ground. Made from plant fibers, spider silk, and sometimes moss or lichens for camouflage, this nest becomes a secure haven for her two eggs.

Incubation, carried out solely by the female, lasts between 17 and 19 days. At birth, the chicks receive intensive care: they remain in the nest for 17 to 20 days, then continue to rely on their mother for another 2 to 3 weeks. This maternal dedication is reinforced by the female’s aggressive behavior—she fiercely defends a perimeter of 10 meters around the nest from any intruder.

This well-orchestrated reproductive cycle ensures the species' survival in often-changing environments. It also highlights the importance of preserved habitats for this iconic bird of the Lesser Antilles.

Where does the Purple-throated Carib go in winter?

Because it is endemic to the Lesser Antilles, the Purple-throated Carib does not undertake seasonal migration. Unlike some bird species, it remains faithful to its habitat year-round. However, its movements can vary depending on resource availability and local weather. During blooming periods, it tends to stay in nectar-rich mountain forests, while at other times it descends to lower elevations, like gardens or plantations—notably in Saint Lucia, where it’s been observed near the coast in May.

This non-migratory lifestyle is made possible by its remarkable adaptability. Able to feed on both native and introduced flowers, it can always find food—even during the dry season. Its sedentary nature also reinforces its role as a local ecological actor: by staying in place, it plays a vital part in pollinating plants and supporting biodiversity in its environment.

Do hummingbirds live in France?

In mainland France, hummingbirds—including the Purple-throated Carib—do not occur naturally. These birds are native to the Americas, and the Purple-throated Carib is found specifically in the Lesser Antilles. However, they can occasionally be observed in captivity or in botanical gardens with simulated tropical climates. Their natural presence is limited by their dependence on specific nectar-producing flowers suited to their feeding style.

In France’s overseas territories—such as Guadeloupe and Martinique—the Purple-throated Carib finds the perfect habitat. These tropical islands provide humid forests, gardens, and agricultural zones where it can feed and reproduce. While it generally prefers elevations above 800 meters, it sometimes ventures into lower zones to make use of available resources.