Sappho sparganurus
The Red-tailed Comet, *Sappho sparganurus*, is a breathtakingly beautiful and distinctive hummingbird species native to the Andean regions of South America, renowned for the male's spectacular fiery red tail. This medium-sized hummingbird typically measures between 12 to 21 cm in length, with the male's elongated outer tail feathers contributing significantly to this measurement, often exceeding 12 cm on their own. Males boast a shimmering iridescent green body, a vivid green throat (gorget),...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid montane scrub, open woodlands, and inter-Andean valleys, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 meters above sea level.
Their diet consists primarily of nectar gathered from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders caught in mid-air or gleaned from foliage, providing essential protein.
Red-tailed Comets are active during daylight hours, exhibiting typical hummingbird behavior of darting flights between flowers and often perching on exposed branches. Males are highly territorial, aggressively defending prime feeding areas and displaying spectacular aerial acrobatics to attract f...
The Red-tailed Comet is widely distributed across the Andes Mountains of South America, spanning a significant latitudinal range. Its breeding range extends from central Peru southward through Bolivia and into northwestern Argentina, as well as northern Chile. In Peru, it is found primarily in th...
Least Concern
- The male's incredibly long, coppery-red tail can make up more than half of its total body length, especially during breeding season. - Its scientific name, *Sappho*, is thought to be a tribute to the ancient Greek lyric poetess, perhaps referring to the bird's exquisite beauty. - When in flight...