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Black-tailed Trainbearer

Lesbia victoriae

Least Concern
Wingspan
11.7 cm
Weight
4.9 g
Family
Trochilidae
Order
Caprimulgiformes

The Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae (hummingbirds), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 11.7 cm and a weight of 4.9 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.

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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

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

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

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.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Black-tailed Trainbearer eat?
Nectarivore of Andean dry inter-valley scrub; visits Salvia, Lupinus, and Calceolaria. Supplements with small arthropods.
Where does the Black-tailed Trainbearer live?
Found in high Andean scrub and open habitats from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. 2,500–4,200 m.
Is the Black-tailed Trainbearer endangered?
The Black-tailed Trainbearer has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Black-tailed Trainbearer nest?
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 18-19 days. Fledging: 29-31 days.
What does the Black-tailed Trainbearer sound like?
Sharp, crackling trill with percussive edge; rapid dry notes delivered forcefully near active competitive territory.
How big is the Black-tailed Trainbearer?
The Black-tailed Trainbearer has a wingspan of 11.7 cm, weight of 4.9 g.
What order and family does the Black-tailed Trainbearer belong to?
The Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Trochilidae.

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