Phlogophilus hemileucurus
The Ecuadorian Piedtail (Phlogophilus hemileucurus) is a diminutive and dazzling hummingbird, instantly recognizable by its striking white outer tail feathers against a dark green body, giving it its 'pied' moniker. Measuring approximately 7-8 cm (2.8-3.1 inches) in length with a short, straight black bill, both sexes exhibit glossy emerald-green upperparts, contrasting with a clean white belly and a prominent white postocular spot. This species belongs to the Trochilidae family, part of the ...
This species primarily inhabits humid foothill and lower-montane evergreen forests, and occasionally forest edges or mature secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,700 meters (2,000-5,600 feet) above sea level.
The primary diet consists of nectar obtained from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by small arthropods. It forages by hovering at flowers and gleaning insects from foliage and spiderwebs.
The Ecuadorian Piedtail is a diurnal and highly active species, spending its days tirelessly foraging for nectar and insects. It employs a classic hummingbird strategy of hovering delicately before flowers, extracting nectar with its specialized tongue, and also gleans small arthropods from folia...
The Ecuadorian Piedtail has a rather restricted distribution, primarily inhabiting the Andean foothills and lower-montane zones of southern Colombia and eastern Ecuador. In Colombia, its range is found on the east slope of the Andes in the extreme southern departments of Nariño and Putumayo. Its ...
Least Concern
- The Ecuadorian Piedtail's 'pied' name comes from the striking white outer tail feathers that contrast with its dark body. - Despite its small size, this hummingbird has an incredibly high metabolism, requiring it to feed frequently throughout the day. - It possesses a unique ability to enter a ...