Phlogophilus harterti
The Peruvian Piedtail, *Phlogophilus harterti*, is a jewel of the humid Andean cloud forests, a diminutive hummingbird measuring approximately 8 cm (3.1 inches) in length and weighing a mere 3.5-4 grams. Its iridescent green upperparts shimmer with a coppery sheen under direct light, beautifully contrasted by a prominent white postocular streak and a distinct white malar stripe. Key identification marks include the unique 'pied' tail, featuring dark central rectrices flanked by white outer fe...
Found primarily in humid subtropical and tropical montane forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth, typically at elevations between 800 and 1800 meters.
Feeds predominantly on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, often from the understory, supplemented with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
Peruvian Piedtails are solitary and highly active diurnal birds, spending their days foraging tirelessly amidst the dense understory. Their foraging strategy often involves 'trap-lining,' where they visit a circuit of flower patches repeatedly throughout the day, defending particularly rich necta...
The Peruvian Piedtail is endemic to the humid eastern slopes of the Andes in Peru, with a somewhat disjunct distribution. Its range extends from the departments of San Martín and Amazonas in the north, south through Loreto (upper drainage), Huánuco, Pasco, Junín, and Ucayali, reaching as far sout...
Near Threatened
- The Peruvian Piedtail was named after Ernst Hartert, a German ornithologist who made significant contributions to avian taxonomy. - It is one of only two species in the unique *Phlogophilus* genus, a rare distinction among hummingbirds. - This species exhibits an incredibly high metabolic rate,...