The scissor-tailed hummingbird is an Endangered species of hummingbird in the "mountain gems", tribe Lampornithini in subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Northeastern Venezuela
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests of the Paria Peninsula and nearby coastal cordillera foothills. It frequents forest edges, clearings with tall understory, and flowering trees and shrubs. The species utilizes vertical strata from understory to mid-canopy, often visiting bromeliads, ericads, and other tubular flowers. It is highly localized and patchy due to fragmented habitat. Protected forest remnants are key refuges.
Altitude Range
600–1200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking Venezuelan endemic, the scissor-tailed hummingbird is named for the male’s extraordinarily long, deeply forked tail. It belongs to the “mountain gems” (tribe Lampornithini) within the subfamily Trochilinae. Habitat loss in its limited montane range has made it particularly vulnerable.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically defends rich flower patches against other hummingbirds, especially males holding small feeding territories. Nest is a small cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a slender branch or fork. Breeding behavior is typical of hummingbirds, with females solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and tsee notes interspersed with buzzy trills. During aggressive encounters, calls become sharper and more insistent.
Plumage
Iridescent green upperparts with glittering metallic tones; males show a brilliant throat and extremely long, scissor-like forked tail. Females are greener above with paler, whitish to buff underparts and a shorter, less forked tail. Both sexes have sleek, compact hummingbird plumage with a glossy sheen.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers, including bromeliads, ericaceous shrubs, and flowering trees. It supplements nectar with small arthropods captured in hover-gleaning or aerial sallies, providing essential proteins. The long bill and specialized tongue allow efficient nectar extraction while hovering.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and within the understory to mid-canopy where flowers are abundant. Often visits flowering shrubs along trails and gaps, and occasionally gardens near forest.
