The grey-bellied comet is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found only in a few small areas of Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Peruvian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in fragmented inter-Andean valleys where steep slopes support montane shrubland and scrub. It uses edge habitats, ravines, and riparian thickets, and often visits rural gardens and hedgerows with flowering plants. The species is highly localized and patchy, tracking seasonal blooms. It favors semi-arid to mesic shrublands with abundant tubular flowers.
Altitude Range
2400–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking hummingbird is the sole member of the genus Taphrolesbia and is known for its very long, deeply forked tail. It persists in a few isolated Andean valleys of Peru, where it frequents native shrublands and rural gardens. Habitat loss and degradation have caused significant declines, making careful habitat management crucial for its survival.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
agile hoverer with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary, with males defending rich flowering patches against other hummingbirds. Nests are small cup structures placed on shrubs or low branches along sheltered slopes or ravines. Courtship involves rapid aerial chases and display flights near nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short twitters given while foraging or during brief perches. Wing hum is audible during close, sustained hovering at flowers.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with a distinctly gray belly and breast; males have very long, deeply forked tail streamers. Underparts appear matte gray contrasting with glossy upperparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers of native shrubs and trees, and readily visits garden ornamentals. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders captured in hover-gleaning or sallying flights for essential proteins. Selects flowers with high nectar output and defends them vigorously.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shrubby slopes, ravines, and edges of rural gardens where flowering plants are concentrated. Often uses perches overlooking flower patches to monitor intruders and conserve energy between feeding bouts.
