Discosura longicaudus
The Racket-tipped Thorntail, *Discosura longicaudus*, is an enchanting jewel of the Neotropics, renowned for the male's distinctive and aptly named tail. Measuring approximately 7-10 cm in length, with the male's elaborate tail accounting for much of that, and weighing a mere 3-5 grams, this tiny hummingbird gleams with iridescent green plumage over most of its body. A striking white postocular stripe contrasts with its dark face, and a patch of white on the undertail coverts is often visible...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland and foothill evergreen forests, often found at edges, clearings, and along rivers. It typically occurs from sea level up to elevations of about 1400 meters.
Its diet consists mainly of nectar, which it sips from small, often understory flowers, supplemented with small arthropods caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
Racket-tipped Thorntails are diurnal and largely solitary, spending their days actively foraging for nectar and insects. They employ a 'traplining' foraging strategy, visiting a regular circuit of flowering plants, but also glean small arthropods from foliage or hawk them in mid-air. Males are kn...
The Racket-tipped Thorntail boasts a wide but somewhat patchy distribution across northern and central South America. Its breeding range extends from eastern Venezuela, through the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana), and across a significant portion of the Amazon Basin in Brazil. It is als...
Least Concern
- The male's 'racket' tail feathers can be nearly as long as its body, creating an astonishing visual display during flight. - Despite its ornate tail, it's one of the smallest hummingbird species, often mistaken for a large bee or insect due to its diminutive size. - It exhibits incredible aeria...