The narrow-tailed emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in Colombia and western Venezuela on foothills and lower montane slopes. It uses semi-open habitats including forest edges, secondary growth, gallery forest, scrub, and flowering trees in coffee and cacao plantations as well as gardens. The species favors shrubby gaps, riparian corridors, and edges where nectar sources are abundant. It is generally common where suitable flowering plants are present and can adapt to human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The narrow-tailed emerald is a small hummingbird of the Northern Andes, famed for the male’s glittering green plumage and characteristically slim, slightly forked tail. Females show grayish underparts with a crisp white post-ocular spot, helping distinguish them from similar emeralds. It aggressively defends rich flower patches and will also sally for tiny insects mid-air. Local elevational movements may occur as flowers bloom at different heights through the year.
Temperament
assertive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside breeding, it defends nectar sources vigorously against other hummingbirds. Males perform aerial chases and display flights near favored flowering patches. Nests are tiny cups of plant fibers and spider silk placed on horizontal branches in semi-open woodland or edge.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills delivered from exposed perches. Wing hum is prominent during close passes, and males may add buzzy, twittering notes during display flights.
