Red-billed Streamertail
Trochilus polytmus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="trochilus-polytmus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A spectacular hummingbird (9-10 cm body + 15-18 cm tail streamers in males) endemic to Jamaica. Males have two extremely long, black tail feathers trailing behind in flight, a red bill, and iridescent green body. Jamaica's national bird. Nectarivore of forest and gardens.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11.8 cm | 4.6 in |
| Weight | 4.9 g | 0.17 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Goliath Coucal: large; dark glossy black-brown above; rufous wings; dark streaked below; red eye; massive size; long graduated tail
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Jamaica. National bird. Resident across the island in forests, gardens, and plantations at all elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Visits flowering trees and epiphytes for nectar; supplements diet with small arthropods including gnats, midges, and spiders.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 17-19 days. Fledging: 19-24 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Sharp, emphatic two-note call; high accented first note followed by lower brief second, clearly projected.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Trochilus |
| Species | Trochilus polytmus |
Distribution
Red-billed Streamertail has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Red-billed Streamertail eat?
Where does the Red-billed Streamertail live?
Is the Red-billed Streamertail endangered?
How does the Red-billed Streamertail nest?
What does the Red-billed Streamertail sound like?
How big is the Red-billed Streamertail?
What order and family does the Red-billed Streamertail belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family