Slender Sheartail
NameSlender Sheartail
Common NameSlender Sheartail
Scientific NameDoricha enicura
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)8.5
Weight (g)3
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent green upperparts, white underparts with buffy flanks, and a brilliant iridescent violet-purple gorget. Their most distinctive feature is the extremely long, deeply forked black tail, with the outer feathers forming scissor-like streamers. Females are similar but lack the gorget and have a much shorter, less deeply forked tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of high-pitched, thin 'tsip' or 'tseet' notes, often given in a rapid series.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America, specifically in the highlands of southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, decurved bill, Iridescent green body, Male's iridescent violet-purple gorget, Male's extremely long, scissor-like tail streamers
Description
The Slender Sheartail is a small hummingbird known for its long, slender, and slightly decurved bill. Males are particularly striking with iridescent green plumage, a vibrant violet gorget, and exceptionally long, scissor-like tail streamers. They primarily feed on nectar from various flowers.
