The white-tailed sabrewing is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found on Tobago and in Venezuela.
Region
Tobago and northeastern Venezuela
Typical Environment
Occupies mature evergreen and montane foothill forests, especially along humid ravines, stream courses, and forest edges where tubular flowers are abundant. On Tobago it is concentrated in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and adjacent forested slopes. In Venezuela it inhabits similar habitats on the Paria Peninsula and nearby coastal ranges. It occasionally visits flowering gardens near intact forest.
Altitude Range
100–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large hummingbird of shaded forests, the white-tailed sabrewing is notable for its striking mostly white tail and the males’ thickened, sabre-like outer primaries used in display. It is Near Threatened due to its small, fragmented range on Tobago and in northeastern Venezuela and sensitivity to habitat loss. It formerly occurred on Trinidad but is now considered extirpated there. On Tobago it is a signature bird of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
White-tailed sabrewing in Tobago
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary away from flowering trees, with males vigorously defending rich nectar sources. Courtship includes aerial displays and wing-whirring near favored perches. Nests are compact cups of plant fibers and moss, often placed on horizontal branches or above streams; typical clutch is two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, metallic chips and thin, penetrating tsip notes delivered from shaded perches. Displaying males add a distinctive wing buzz or whirr, audible at close range.
