The violet-tailed sylph is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Western Andes of Colombia and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs on the humid western slopes of the Andes, primarily within the Chocó bioregion. Prefers cloud forest edges, secondary growth, and forested ravines where flowering shrubs are abundant. Often visits human-modified landscapes with ornamental flowers, including gardens and forest lodges. Uses stratified resources from understory to midstory, occasionally ascending to canopy blooms.
Altitude Range
300–2100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males have spectacular, elongated violet tail streamers that can be longer than the rest of the body, used in display flights. This hummingbird frequents humid cloud forest edges and even flowering gardens, where it defends rich nectar sources. It supplements nectar with tiny insects and spiders for protein. Its rapid wingbeats create a soft whirr, and males can be notably territorial around feeders.
Temperament
territorial and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary at flowers, with males vigorously defending nectar-rich patches. Courtship involves aerial chases and display flights emphasizing the long tail streamers. Nest is a small cup of plant fibers and spider silk placed on a sheltered branch; the female alone incubates and cares for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces thin, high-pitched tsip and tzee notes, often given while perching between feeding bouts. Wing hum is audible at close range, and aggressive interactions include sharp, buzzy chips.
Plumage
Male iridescent green with brilliant violet, extremely long tail streamers; female with green upperparts and warm rufous underparts, shorter tail with pale tips.
Diet
Primarily nectar from tubular flowers such as ericads, bromeliads, and fuchsias. Also hawks or gleans tiny insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding. May follow a traplining route among widely spaced blooms or defend a concentrated resource.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and in flowering gardens with abundant shrubs. Uses midstory shrubs and epiphyte-laden branches, occasionally visiting canopy inflorescences.
