Image via Macaulay Library
Hispaniolan Emerald
- Scientific name
- Riccordia swainsonii
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Forest deciduous
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Hispaniolan Emerald (Riccordia swainsonii) is a hummingbird species endemic to the island of Hispaniola, encompassing both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It was first formally described by French naturalist René Lesson in 1827. Its design—characterized by its brilliant iridescent green plumage, pointed wings, and a distinctly notched tail—is an evolutionary adaptation suited for the diverse, forested landscapes of the Caribbean, allowing for precise, rapid maneuverability while foraging for nectar.
The bird holds a significant place in ornithological history as one of the few species restricted entirely to the Hispaniolan archipelago. Taxonomic classification has evolved over time, shifting from the genus Chlorostilbon to its current placement in Riccordia. Conservationists and biologists have long studied the species as a sentinel of forest health, noting its resilience in fragmented habitats compared to other local avian species, though it remains under pressure from regional habitat loss.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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About Hispaniolan Emerald
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