The Peruvian racket-tail is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes (Ecuador and northern Peru)
Typical Environment
Occurs along humid montane forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and secondary growth, as well as in gardens near cloud forest. It favors areas rich in epiphytes and flowering trees on the east Andean slopes. Birds often use semi-open perches along ravines and roadsides where flowers are abundant. Local altitudinal movements follow seasonal blooms, but populations are largely sedentary.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hummingbird belongs to the 'brilliants' (tribe Heliantheini) and is famed for the male’s elongated outer tail feathers tipped with spatulate ‘rackets’. It inhabits humid Andean slopes of Ecuador and Peru and readily visits flowering shrubs and feeders. The fluffy white leg puffs or “boots” are distinctive in males and often visible even in fast hover. It typically shows short, agile sallies between perches and nectar sources.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
rapid hovering with short darting flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary around rich nectar sources, with males vigorously defending small feeding territories. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights that accentuate the racketed tail. The female builds a tiny cup nest of plant down and spider silk on a sheltered branch and alone incubates and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and short trills given while perched or during brief chases. Wing hum is audible at close range and may accompany display flights.
