Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird
NameSparkling-tailed Hummingbird
Common NameSparkling-tailed Hummingbird
Scientific NameLoddigesia mirabilis
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)10.5
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)2.8
Plumage DetailsMales feature a brilliant iridescent violet-blue gorget, a distinct white breast band, and a green body. The most notable characteristic is the pair of extremely long outer tail feathers, which are black with iridescent violet-blue spatules at their tips.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically soft, high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tseet' notes, often given while foraging or in flight.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a very restricted area in the Andes of northern Peru, primarily found in the Utcubamba valley and adjacent montane cloud forests.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, spatule-tipped outer tail feathers (males), Iridescent violet-blue gorget (males), White breast band, Green upperparts and flanks
Description
This tiny and striking hummingbird is renowned for the male's two extremely long outer tail feathers, which cross each other and end in large, iridescent spatules. It is often seen hovering gracefully while feeding on nectar from various flowering plants in its native habitat.
