Blue-Tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) is one of the two hummingbird species found on Bonaire. Slightly smaller than the Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, they are 7.5 cm long and weigh an average of 2.6 grams. The Blue tailed emerald is a local bird which is commonly found in the lowlands of northern South America, Amazonia and the Southern Caribbean.

In the region of the Caribbean they are found on the ABC islands, Isla Margarita and Northwestern Trinidad. Much like the Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird, the Blue-Tailed Emerald females lay their eggs in a small cup shaped nest. These birds have an almost straight black bill, forked tail (Black color on Males and Blueish-Black on Females). Males have a glittering green color with a blueish tinge if seen in the correct lighting, with white thighs. The females have a greenish-blue plumage on the top of their bodies with whitish underparts, black cheek stripe and a streak of white just above the eye.

Hummingbirds eat mostly nectar with the odd insect here and there as an additional protein supplement in their diets. For those coming to Bonaire with a keen interest in birdwatching, you can find field guides for birding on Bonaire to help assist you in identifying all the wonderful bird-life on the island.