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Hispaniolan Emerald

Riccordia swainsonii

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A jewel of the Caribbean, the Hispaniolan Emerald is a master of aerial acrobatics endemic to the island of Hispaniola. With its deeply forked tail and shimmering green plumage, this resilient hummingbird is a crown jewel for backyard birders in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 10.5–11.5 cm (4.1–4.5 in); Weight: 4–5 g (0.14–0.18 oz)

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Colors

Bronzy-green upperparts; males have a dark blackish breast and green throat; females are pale greyish-white below.

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Key Features

Deeply forked blackish tail
Large black patch on the breast (males)
Small white spot behind the eye
Straight, black bill with pinkish base on lower mandible

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily nectar from native flowering plants; also consumes small spiders and flies for essential protein.

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Habitat Widespread across humid and dry forests, pine woodlands, and suburban gardens.

Behavior

The Hispaniolan Emerald is a spirited and territorial bird, often seen darting between flower clusters with remarkable speed and agility. While smaller than some of its island neighbors, it is surprisingly bold, frequently defending its favorite nectar sources from larger hummingbirds or even insects. During the breeding season, males perform rhythmic aerial displays, though the species does not form long-term pair bonds, with females handling all nesting duties.

In gardens and backyard settings, these emeralds are creatures of habit. They often follow a 'trap-lining' foraging strategy, visiting a specific sequence of flowers at predictable intervals throughout the day. They are relatively comfortable around human activity, provided there is dense foliage nearby where they can retreat if they feel threatened. Their flight produces a low, distinctive humming sound that often alerts observers to their presence before they are seen.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

Capturing the Hispaniolan Emerald on camera requires a high-speed trigger and plenty of natural light to illuminate its iridescent feathers. Position your AI-powered camera within 3 to 5 feet of a red or tubular flower source, such as Hibiscus, Heliconia, or Cape Honeysuckle. Because these birds are highly territorial, they often return to the same 'guard perch'—a bare twig near a food source. If you spot a bird resting in the same spot repeatedly, that is the perfect location to angle your lens.

For the clearest images, set your camera to a burst mode or high-frame-rate video. The wingbeats of an emerald are so fast that a standard single-shot trigger often results in a motion-blurred image. Ensure the camera is positioned at roughly chest height (4-5 feet) and angled slightly upward to capture the shimmering throat (gorget) and the distinctive fork in the tail. Morning light, specifically between 7 AM and 9 AM, offers the best golden-hour glow for their metallic green plumage without the harsh, washing shadows of the midday sun.

If you are using a nectar feeder to attract them, choose a model with a perch. While they are master hovers, they will often land to drink, providing the AI with a stable subject for a much higher-quality identification and photo. Avoid placing your camera in deep shade; the male’s dark breast patch can appear as a flat black blob in low light, whereas direct or dappled sunlight will reveal the intricate feather textures and subtle color shifts.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Hispaniolan Emerald.

Antillean Mango

Much larger with a noticeably down-curved bill and lacks the deeply forked tail of the Emerald.

Vervain Hummingbird

One of the smallest birds in the world; it lacks the male Emerald's black breast and has a much shorter, square tail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active in the early morning from dawn until about 10 AM, and again in the late afternoon. During the heat of midday, they tend to retreat into shaded foliage to conserve energy.

Planting native red or orange tubular flowers like Hibiscus or Firebush is the most effective method. They are also easily attracted to sugar-water feeders (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar).

Their diet consists mainly of nectar for carbohydrates and small insects or spiders, which they 'glean' from leaves or catch in mid-air to provide necessary protein and minerals.

Yes, they are very adaptable and are frequently found in suburban gardens, city parks, and agricultural areas, provided there are enough flowering plants and trees for cover.

The Hispaniolan Emerald is smaller and has a deeply forked tail, whereas the Antillean Mango is larger with a slightly curved bill and a more rounded, reddish-purple tail.

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