Blue-tailed hummingbird

The blue-tailed hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

Distribution

Region

Central America

Typical Environment

Occurs from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with records into northern Costa Rica. It favors semi-open habitats including forest edges, second-growth, dry to semi-humid woodlands, coffee plantations, and gardens. Often found along ravines and near streams where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. Regularly uses perches in the lower to mid-canopy and forages from the understory to mid-level blossoms.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size9–10 cm

Wing Span11–13 cm

Male Weight0.004 kg

Female Weight0.0042 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small hummingbird is named for its vividly blue tail, which contrasts with its glittering green body. It aggressively defends rich nectar sources and readily visits flowering shrubs in gardens and coffee plantations. Subtle differences in tail color and range help separate it from similar emerald hummingbirds.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

territorial and energetic

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering

Social Behavior

Usually solitary when feeding but may gather loosely where flowers are dense. Males defend nectar resources and display from exposed perches. The species builds a tiny cup nest of plant down and spider silk on low to mid-level branches; typical clutches are two eggs.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are high, thin chips and buzzy notes delivered in quick sequences. Males also give rapid, squeaky trills during disputes or display. Vocalizations are sharp and carry well in open woodland edges.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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