Wire-crested thorntail
| Wire-crested thorntail | |
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| near Manu Road, Peru | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | D. popelairii
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| Binomial name | |
| Discosura popelairii Du Bus de Gisignies, 1846
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| Synonyms | |
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Popelairia popelairii | |
The wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) is a hummingbird which occurs in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
This species is one of the smallest birds on Earth, with a mature weight of around 2.5 g (0.088 oz).[2] Males measure from 10.5 to 12 cm (4.1 to 4.7 in) in length, against the females' length of around 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 in) long.[3][4] The male of the eastern slopes of the northern Andes has elongated tail feathers that curve outward and taper from a broad base to a slender tip. The outermost is longest and each successive feather toward the center is shorter. All are steel-blue with white shafts, making a most striking and curious display when spread. The bird has a crest of brilliant green feathers.
These birds feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue, or catch insects on the wing.
They require frequent feeding while active during the day and become torpid at night to conserve energy.
References
- Züchner, T. 1999. Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii). Pp. 571 in: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. eds. 1999. Handbook of the Birds of the World.. Vol. 5. Barn-owls to Hummingbirds. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-25-3
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