The white-booted racket-tail is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and western Venezuela. Common around clearings, along streams, and at the ecotone between forest and shrubby slopes. Frequently visits flowering shrubs, epiphytes, and gardens with feeders. Uses vertical strata from understory to mid-canopy, often along sunlit edges and gaps.
Altitude Range
600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is famed for the male’s long tail with spatulate ‘rackets’ and fluffy white leg puffs that inspired its common name. It frequents flower-rich edges of Andean cloud forests and often visits feeders in montane towns. Males display by fanning the tail and chasing rivals around favored flower patches. Despite its ornate appearance, it is widespread in the Northern Andes.
Temperament
territorial and agile
Flight Pattern
rapid hovering with short darting flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers but males defend rich nectar sources aggressively from other hummingbirds. Breeding involves aerial displays; males do not assist with nesting. The small cup nest is placed on a slender branch or fork, often over a stream or along a shaded forest edge.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and rapid twitters delivered during chases and displays. The wingbeats produce an audible hum, and males may add buzzy trills during close encounters around favored flowers.
