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.
