White-booted Racket-tail
NameWhite-booted Racket-tail
Common NameWhite-booted Racket-tail
Scientific NameOcreatus underwoodii
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)3
Plumage DetailsMales have brilliant iridescent green plumage on their upperparts and flanks, with a white belly. The most striking feature is the prominent white leg puffs and the elongated outer tail feathers, which are bare for most of their length before flaring into large, iridescent purplish-black rackets. Females lack the long tail streamers and have a shorter, forked tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of soft, high-pitched chips or squeaks, often described as a 'tsip' or 'tseet' sound.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountains of South America, ranging from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador to Peru.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent green plumage, Prominent white leg puffs ('boots'), Male's long outer tail feathers with purplish-black rackets, Small size, Long, straight black bill
Description
This small, iridescent green hummingbird is easily recognized by its distinctive white leg puffs, resembling 'boots'. Males possess extremely long outer tail feathers that terminate in large, purplish-black 'rackets', making them highly conspicuous as they hover to feed on nectar.
