The wire-crested thorntail is a hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in humid forests in the Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and possibly Bolivia.
Region
Andean foothills of western Amazonia
Typical Environment
Occurs along the humid eastern slopes of the Andes in southern Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, with possible records in northern Bolivia. It inhabits foothill and submontane rainforest, especially edges, gaps, river corridors, and second growth with abundant flowering shrubs and trees. The species forages from understory to canopy, often along forest-edge ecotones. It tolerates some disturbance and can persist in regenerating habitats if nectar resources remain available.
Altitude Range
400–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is named for the male’s distinctive wiry crest filaments and needle-like tail spikes (“thorntail”). Males perform energetic aerial displays near flowering trees, while females are more subdued and lack the crest. It frequents humid Andean foothill forests and edges, often visiting canopy and subcanopy blooms. Despite its striking look, it can be surprisingly hard to spot away from display perches.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Usually solitary while feeding, but males display at traditional perches and may form loose leks near rich flowering sites. Nesting is typical of small hummingbirds, with tiny cup nests placed on slender branches or twigs. Females handle incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and rapid twitters given during foraging and display. Wing noise may add a faint buzz during close passes.
