Ocreatus underwoodii
The White-booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) is an exquisite, small-to-medium-sized hummingbird, instantly recognizable by the unique features of the male. Measuring typically 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 in) in length, including its elongated tail, and weighing 2.5-3.5 grams, males boast iridescent green plumage, conspicuous white "boots" of fluffy leg feathers, and distinctively long, wire-like outer tail feathers ending in large, dark, racquet-shaped paddles. Females, while also predominantly ...
This species primarily inhabits humid, subtropical and tropical montane cloud forests, forest edges, and second-growth woodlands, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 meters (3,300-7,500 ft).
Primarily nectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flowering plants, but also gleaning small arthropods (spiders, insects) from foliage and catching them in mid-air to supplement their diet with protein.
White-booted Racket-tails are diurnal and largely solitary, spending their days actively foraging among flowering plants. Males are highly territorial, aggressively defending rich patches of nectar sources from conspecifics and even larger hummingbirds through aerial pursuits and chattering calls...
The White-booted Racket-tail is a resident species found exclusively in the Andes Mountains of South America, with no significant migratory movements. Its extensive distribution spans from the northern cordilleras of Venezuela and Colombia, south through the subtropical and tropical montane fores...
Least Concern
- The male's distinctive "racket" tail feathers can be nearly twice the length of its body, making it a challenging feat of aerial acrobatics and display. - The fluffy white "boots" on the male's legs are not for warmth but are thought to play a role in sexual display during courtship, possibly i...