Long-tailed Sylph
NameLong-tailed Sylph
Common NameLong-tailed Sylph
Scientific NameAglaiocercus kingii
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)4
Plumage DetailsMales are predominantly iridescent green with a glittering blue crown and throat. Their most distinctive feature is the extremely long, deeply forked tail, which is a brilliant iridescent blue-green, darkening towards the tips. Females are green above, white below with green spots on the flanks, and have a shorter, less elaborate tail with white tips on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin 'tsit' notes or a rapid, chattering series of 'tsee-tsee-tsee' sounds, typical of many hummingbirds.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountain range, from western Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, extending into Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, iridescent blue-green forked tail (males), Iridescent green body plumage, Glittering blue crown and throat (males), Small size and rapid, hovering flight
Description
The Long-tailed Sylph is a medium-sized hummingbird renowned for the male's exceptionally long, iridescent blue-green tail. These agile birds hover expertly to feed on nectar from flowers and supplement their diet with small insects.
