Black-tailed Trainbearer
Lesbia victoriae
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<birdfyi-bird slug="lesbia-victoriae"></birdfyi-bird>About
A spectacular hummingbird (10 cm body + 15 cm tail in males) found in Andean highlands from Colombia to Peru at 2,500-4,000 m. Males have extraordinarily long, black outer tail streamers. Nectarivore of páramo and cloud forest edges. Named for its dramatic trailing tail feathers.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11.7 cm | 4.6 in |
| Weight | 4.9 g | 0.17 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Cuban Emerald: males with deep purple gorget; metallic bronze-green above; white flanks; females plain green above; pale spotted below
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in high Andean scrub and open habitats from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. 2,500–4,200 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of Andean dry inter-valley scrub; visits Salvia, Lupinus, and Calceolaria. Supplements with small arthropods.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 18-19 days. Fledging: 29-31 days.
Sound
Song
Sharp, crackling trill with percussive edge; rapid dry notes delivered forcefully near active competitive territory.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Lesbia |
| Species | Lesbia victoriae |
Distribution
Black-tailed Trainbearer has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Black-tailed Trainbearer eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family