The green-tailed emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Northern Venezuela
Typical Environment
It inhabits edges of dry to semi-humid woodlands, thorn scrub, second growth, and cultivated areas, including urban gardens. The species favors areas with scattered shrubs and flowering trees, where nectar sources are abundant. It also uses forest edges and clearings rather than deep interior forest. Occurs on both coastal slopes and interior foothills within its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The green-tailed emerald is a small hummingbird found only in Venezuela, where it frequents semi-open habitats and gardens. Males show a glittering emerald body with a distinctly green tail, while females have grayish underparts and white tail corners. It feeds primarily on nectar but also takes tiny insects for protein. Territorial at flower patches, it often chases away larger hummingbirds.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Usually solitary away from breeding, defending favored flower patches against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves rapid shuttle displays and chases by males. The female builds a small cup nest of plant down and spider silk on a horizontal branch or in a shrub.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and buzzy trills, often given while perched. Wing hum is audible at close range during hovering and display flights.
Plumage
Male is bright, glittering emerald-green overall with a uniformly green tail; female has green upperparts, grayish-white underparts, and a tail with green central feathers and white-tipped outer corners.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from tubular flowers of shrubs, trees, and ornamentals, probing repeatedly while hovering. It supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, captured by hawking or gleaning from foliage. Diet shifts seasonally to track flowering peaks.
Preferred Environment
Forages along edges, gardens, hedgerows, and scrub where flowering plants are clustered. Often visits human-planted gardens and parks with abundant ornamental blooms.
