The red-tailed comet is a medium-sized hummingbird belonging to tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae, the "coquettes". It is found in Argentina and Bolivia and possibly Chile and Peru.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in intermontane valleys and foothills of Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, with records extending into northern Chile and southern Peru. It favors arid to semi-arid scrub, rocky slopes with shrubs and cacti, and edges of montane woodland such as Polylepis. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes and is common in towns, gardens, and urban parks where suitable flowers are present. It follows seasonal flowering, shifting locally between valleys and slopes.
Altitude Range
1500–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-tailed comet is a striking Andean hummingbird, famous for the male’s long, deeply forked, fiery rufous tail that glows in sunlight. It frequents gardens and urban parks as well as natural scrub, often becoming conspicuous around flowering shrubs. Males are intensely territorial at rich nectar sources. Though mainly resident, some populations make local altitudinal movements following blooms.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering with rapid wingbeats; agile, darting flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at feeding sites, with males vigorously defending flower patches against rivals and other hummingbirds. Courtship involves fast chases and high-speed display flights. The nest is a small cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a branch or human structure, with two tiny white eggs. Breeding generally aligns with peak flowering in the austral spring–summer.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and rapid tzet notes given during foraging and territorial disputes. Wingbeats produce an audible hum, and display flights may add mechanical trills. It is not a melodious singer but can be quite vocal around rich nectar sources.
