Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

Fascinating facts about the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

• The swallow-tailed hummingbird measures 15-17 cm from tip to tail, and almost half of that length is taken up by its deep, forked tail. It weighs up to 9 g, making it a relatively large hummingbird for its family. Its wings are nearly 8 cm long, unusually long for a bird of its size. In much of its range it is the largest species of typical hummingbird.
• Across most of its South American range the swallow-tailed hummingbird is the biggest of the typical hummingbirds, with no other species matching its size in that region. It inhabits east-central South America, favouring savanna-like habitats and lowland open areas. Its large size gives it dominance at feeding sites, allowing it to outcompete smaller hummingbirds. This stature also contributes to its aggressive defence of resources.
• When protecting rich nectar sources the swallow-tailed hummingbird will dive-bomb birds that are up to twice its own length, targeting species such as Campo flickers, curl-crested jays and smooth-billed anis. These aggressive attacks are especially frequent during the breeding season, when the hummingbird defends its territory more vigorously. Even much larger birds are chased, with the bird diving at them while perched.
• A female swallow-tailed hummingbird has been seen diving at a Swainson's hawk, a predator more than a hundred times its weight, and striking it in mid-air. Such bold attacks are part of its general aggressiveness, as it will also dive-bomb much larger birds that threaten its territory. When disturbed by large birds it usually gives warning calls, but it will not hesitate to confront them directly if needed.
• The swallow-tailed hummingbird was heavily captured for the cage-bird trade until 1970, a pressure that contributed to its widespread removal from the wild. It is now listed on CITES Appendix II, which restricts commercial export and helps curb illegal trade. The species is also classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that current protections have stabilised its populations.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

The Swallow-tailed Hummingbird (Eupetomena macroura) is a striking avian jewel native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, primarily found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Characterized by its iridescent green body and long, elegant tail feathers that resemble the graceful wings of a swallow, this hummingbird is a marvel of nature's artistry. Males possess a vibrant throat that shimmers with hues of violet and blue, creating a dazzling display during courtship rituals. Preferring open woodlands, gardens, and savannas, the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird flits among flowering plants, where it plays a crucial role in pollination, sipping nectar with its specialized long bill and rapid wing beats that can reach up to 80 beats per second. This extraordinary bird is not just a visual delight; its aerial acrobatics and agile maneuvers are a testament to its evolutionary adaptations to thrive in various habitats. Socially, these hummingbirds exhibit fascinating behaviors, often engaging in territorial disputes, particularly during breeding seasons. A surprising trait of the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird is its ability to perform a unique feeding technique known as 'trap-lining,' where it visits a series of flowers in a specific order to maximize its nectar intake. This behavior not only showcases its intelligence but also highlights its critical role in maintaining the health of its ecosystem. As it darts from bloom to bloom, the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird becomes an essential link in the biodiversity chain, ensuring that the plants it visits can reproduce and flourish, creating a vibrant tapestry of life in its native landscapes.

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