description Wire-crested thorntail Overview
In the Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, the wire-crested thorntail is a small forest hummingbird with unusually elaborate male ornamentation. Known scientifically as Discosura popelairii, it takes its common name from the male's slender, wire-like crest. The elongated outer tail feathers add another distinctive feature, giving the bird a different silhouette from many other hummingbirds in the same region. These ornaments are sex-specific, so females cannot be identified by expecting the same crest and tail.
The species feeds at flowers and belongs to the Discosura genus, whose members include other finely ornamented hummingbirds. It is particularly relevant to ornithologists studying plumage differences and to experienced birdwatchers exploring Andean foothill forests. Its appeal rests on a specialized appearance within a diverse regional hummingbird fauna.
help Wire-crested thorntail FAQ
What does the wire-crested thorntail look like?
The male wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) has a distinctive long, thin crest of wire-like feathers extending from the forehead, along with narrow tail feathers ending in small spatule-like tips. Males are more ornate than females, which lack the crest and elaborate tail.
Where can you find the wire-crested thorntail?
The species inhabits the Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, typically at elevations between approximately 600 and 1,800 meters. It favors humid forest edges and clearings with abundant flowering plants.
What threats does the wire-crested thorntail face?
The wire-crested thorntail is affected by ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited Andean range. Conversion of forest to agriculture and pasture has reduced the availability of the flowering plants the species depends on for nectar.
When was the wire-crested thorntail scientifically described?
The wire-crested thorntail was described in 1846 and given the scientific name Discosura popelairii. It belongs to the Trochilidae family and shares its genus with other thorntail hummingbird species found in the Neotropics.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
