The fiery-tailed awlbill is a species of hummingbird in the subfamily Polytminae, the mangoes. It is found in Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Amazonia and the Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Venezuela and the Guianas through northern Brazil, with outliers into eastern Ecuador. It favors edges of humid lowland rainforest, riverine woodland, and semi-open clearings with flowering shrubs and trees. It is also found in white-sand (campina/campinarana) and secondary growth where nectar sources are abundant. Often forages from understory to mid-canopy, visiting flowering trees along forest margins and waterways.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The fiery-tailed awlbill is a distinctive hummingbird with a short bill that curves sharply upward at the tip—an adaptation for feeding at certain curved flowers. Its bright rufous tail flashes when it fans or pivots during hover-feeding and displays. It belongs to the mango hummingbird group (Polytminae) and is native to the Guiana Shield and northern Amazon. Females weave small cup nests from plant down and spider silk, typically raising two chicks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and aggressively defends rich nectar patches from other hummingbirds. Courtship includes aerial chases and display hovering near favored flowers. The female builds a small cup nest on a slender branch and lays two tiny white eggs, providing all incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short twitters given while foraging or during brief chases. Wing hum is pronounced at close range and may accompany display flights.
Plumage
Glossy green to bronze-green upperparts with contrasting bright rufous tail; underparts dusky green with paler areas on the throat and sides of neck. Feathers are sleek and iridescent, showing metallic sheen in good light. Tail is slightly forked and vividly cinnamon-rufous, especially conspicuous in flight.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular and curved flowers, often visiting flowering trees and shrubs at forest edges and along rivers. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies, providing essential protein. Uses its upturned bill to probe curved corollas efficiently and will also take sap at insect-made holes when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages at forest margins, in semi-open woodland, and in secondary growth where flowering plants are concentrated. Frequently visits riparian corridors and clearings with blooming Inga, Erythrina, and other nectar-rich trees.
