The Peruvian sheartail is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is the only species placed in the genus Thaumastura. It is found in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Western South America
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific slope from western Peru into extreme northern Chile and southwestern Ecuador. It favors arid and semi-arid coastal valleys, desert scrub, lomas vegetation, and riparian thickets. The species is also common in towns, orchards, and gardens where ornamental flowers provide nectar. Local movements follow flowering cycles, and it can concentrate where blooms are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2300 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Peruvian sheartail is a tiny hummingbird and the sole member of its genus. Males are instantly recognizable by their extremely long, filamentous outer tail feathers and a glittering, rosy-violet throat. It thrives in arid coastal valleys where it visits flowering shrubs and cacti, and it readily uses gardens. Females alone build the nest and raise the young.
Distribution map of Thaumastura cora
Peruvian Sheartail in Peru
Santa Eulalia Valley - Peru
Illustration from Voyage autour du monde - Antoine Germain Bevalet (1779–1850)
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers and strongly defends rich nectar sources from other hummingbirds. Courtship includes hovering displays and tail fanning by the male. The female builds a tiny cup nest from plant down and spider silk on low branches or shrubs and lays two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin chips and rapid twitters around feeding sites. During displays, males add a buzzy, metallic series of notes, often interspersed with wing and tail sounds.
Plumage
Upperparts green to bronzy-green with pale whitish underparts and buffy flanks; tail deeply forked. Male shows a brilliant rosy-violet gorget and very long, narrow outer tail streamers. Female lacks the bright gorget and has a shorter, more rounded tail with whitish tips.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from flowering shrubs, desert plants, and garden ornamentals, including sages and cacti. It supplements nectar with small arthropods captured by hawking from perches or gleaned from foliage. Insects provide essential protein for adults and nestlings, especially during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in arid scrub, lomas vegetation, riparian thickets, and urban gardens where flowers are abundant. Often forages at low to mid-levels, visiting a sequence of blossoms and returning to favored perches.
