The white-tailed emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is native to the Talamancan montane forests.
Region
Southern Central America (Costa Rica and western Panama)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid montane and cloud forests, especially epiphyte-rich stands, forest edges, and clearings. It readily uses second growth, riparian corridors, and shaded gardens near intact forest. The species often forages in the subcanopy and along edges where tubular flowers are abundant. It can be locally common where flowering resources are concentrated and may descend slightly in elevation when blooms shift seasonally.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-tailed emerald is a small hummingbird of the 'emeralds' group, native to the Talamancan montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. Males are instantly recognized by their gleaming white tail against a bright green body. The species was long placed in the genus Elvira but is now commonly treated in Microchera. It is a year-round resident that defends rich flower patches and often forages in forest edges and gardens.
Temperament
territorial around rich nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile hoverer
Social Behavior
Typically solitary while foraging but may gather loosely where flowers are dense. Males defend small feeding territories and may display at favored perches. Nest is a tiny cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a low horizontal branch or fork; the female alone incubates and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and insect-like trills delivered from exposed perches. During displays, males give rapid, squeaky sequences interspersed with wing hums.
Plumage
Males are shimmering green with a strikingly white tail; females have green upperparts and grayish-white underparts with light green spotting on the flanks. Tail in females is mostly white with a contrasting darker subterminal band. Feathers are compact and glossy, typical of small emerald hummingbirds.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from small tubular flowers of shrubs, trees, and epiphytes, including blooms in forest edges and second growth. Supplements nectar with tiny arthropods, hawking gnats and catching spiders to obtain protein. It follows flowering cycles and may shift microhabitats as preferred plants come into bloom.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest margins, gaps, and understory clearings where flower density is high. Often visits epiphyte-laden branches and occasionally gardens or shaded coffee near forest.
