The swallow-tailed hummingbird is a species in the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), found mainly in east-central South America. Most authorities place it in the genus Eupetomena, although some place it in Campylopterus based on song and the thick shafts of the males' first primaries. Its common name and specific epithet both refer to the long, deeply forked, somewhat swallow-like tail.
Region
East-central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in eastern and central Brazil and extends into adjacent Paraguay, northern Argentina, and eastern Bolivia. It frequents semi-open habitats including Cerrado savannas, Caatinga edges, gallery forests, forest margins, plantations, and urban gardens. It is particularly common in parks and residential areas with abundant flowering plants. The species thrives in mosaic landscapes with scattered trees and shrubs and regularly visits feeders.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, striking hummingbird of east-central South America, noted for its long, deeply forked, swallow-like tail. It is famously aggressive and often dominates flowering shrubs and feeders in gardens and parks. Some authorities place it in the genus Campylopterus due to its song and the thick shafts of the males' first primaries, which also produce mechanical sounds in display. It adapts well to human-altered habitats and is commonly seen in urban and suburban areas in Brazil.
Showing forked tail. Photographed in Piraju, São Paulo, Brazil
Adult, from São Paulo Botanical Garden, Brazil
Hovering adult photographed near Piraju, São Paulo, Brazil
On nest in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Temperament
highly territorial and aggressive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile hoverer
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside of breeding and strongly defends nectar resources from other hummingbirds and insects. Nests are small cups of plant down bound with spider silk, placed on horizontal branches or in sheltered forks. Clutches usually contain two eggs, and males do not assist with parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are sharp, metallic chips and buzzy trills delivered from exposed perches. Males also produce mechanical wing sounds during display, aided by thickened shafts of the first primaries.
