The scaled metaltail is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests and shrubby edges of the Andean foothills and cloud forests of southern Peru and western Bolivia. Favors forest borders, elfin forest, mossy ravines, and patches of Polylepis and high-Andean scrub. Common along roadsides and clearings where tubular flowers are abundant. Uses vertical strata from low shrubs to mid-canopy edges, frequently perching on exposed twigs to survey feeding territories.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean hummingbird, the scaled metaltail shows a distinctive scalloped or “scaled” look on its green underparts. Males vigorously defend nectar-rich shrubs along steep cloud-forest edges. Its tail flashes bronzy to purplish iridescence in good light. It often makes short sallies to catch tiny insects between flower visits.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone and males defend small flowering patches from other hummingbirds. Courtship involves aerial chases and display perches. The nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed in sheltered shrubs or on small branches along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short trills, often given from an exposed perch. Wing hum is audible at close range and may be used in aggressive encounters. Song is simple and repetitive rather than musical.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with underparts that show pale-edged feathers creating a scaled appearance; tail long, slightly notched, and metallic bronzy to purplish. Throat and breast shimmer in good light; belly and flanks often darker green with fine pale edging. Bill short, straight, and black; overall compact hummingbird build.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers, including shrubs and vines common to Andean cloud forests. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, hawking them in short flights or gleaning from foliage and spider webs. This protein-rich prey is especially important during breeding and for juveniles.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds along forest edges, clearings, and shrubby slopes where flower density is high. Also visits gardens and roadside vegetation at suitable elevations, moving among flowering patches throughout the day.
