The Venezuelan sylph is an Endangered species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is restricted to two small mountain ranges in northeastern Venezuela.
Region
Northeastern Venezuela
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and well-vegetated ravines of the eastern Venezuelan Coastal Range, especially the Turimiquire Massif and Paria Peninsula. It favors areas with abundant tubular flowers along forest borders, clearings, and secondary growth. The species uses midstory to canopy levels, often along streams and shaded gullies. It can venture into shade coffee or partially disturbed habitats if flowering resources are present.
Altitude Range
800–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Venezuelan sylph is a striking hummingbird with extremely long, iridescent tail streamers in males. It is closely related to the long-tailed and violet-tailed sylphs but is restricted to two small mountain ranges in northeastern Venezuela. Habitat loss in these montane forests has driven its decline, and it now persists mainly in protected or remote cloud-forest patches.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats and precise hovering; quick darting flights between flowers
Social Behavior
Generally solitary while foraging, with males defending rich flower patches. Courtship involves agile chases and display flights emphasizing the long tail. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk, placed on sheltered branches or banks, with two eggs typical.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched chips and tseet notes, often given in rapid series. Wing hum and brief trills add mechanical sounds during display flights.
