Peruvian Sheartail
NamePeruvian Sheartail
Common NamePeruvian Sheartail
Scientific NameThaumastura cora
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)2.5
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent green crown and upperparts, a brilliant iridescent purple throat (gorget) that transitions to blue on the sides, and a white breast and belly. Their most striking feature is the very long, deeply forked black tail with white outer tail feathers. Females are duller, with green upperparts, white underparts, and a shorter, slightly forked tail with white tips on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of soft, high-pitched chips or thin, reedy trills, often described as a 'tsip' or 'tseet'.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, urban, coastal, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Pacific slope of Peru and extreme northern Chile, inhabiting arid and semi-arid scrublands, desert edges, gardens, and cultivated areas, often near water sources.
Identifying FeaturesMale's extremely long, deeply forked black and white tail, Male's iridescent purple and blue gorget, Small size, Straight, short black bill, White underparts contrasting with green upperparts
Description
The Peruvian Sheartail is a small hummingbird, notable for the male's extremely long, deeply forked tail. Males display a vibrant iridescent purple and blue gorget, contrasting with green upperparts and white underparts. They are agile fliers, often seen hovering to feed on nectar.
