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Scissor-tailed hummingbird

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description Scissor-tailed hummingbird Overview

Native to Venezuela's Paria Peninsula, the scissor-tailed hummingbird is a living species with a very restricted distribution. Its scientific name is Hylonympha macrocerca. The male's deeply forked, elongated tail gives the species its common name and creates a distinctive outline in flight or when perched. Females have a shorter tail, an important difference when identifying birds in the field.

The species is associated with forest in the peninsula's mountainous terrain, where habitat loss threatens its continued survival. Its limited range makes local forest protection particularly significant. Ornithologists and conservationists study it as an example of a geographically restricted bird whose future depends on a small area. For birdwatchers interested in Venezuelan endemics, its specialized male plumage and confined distribution distinguish it from more widespread hummingbirds.

help Scissor-tailed hummingbird FAQ

Why is the scissor-tailed hummingbird considered endangered?

The species is listed as endangered primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion within its incredibly limited range. There are reportedly only about 3,000 to 4,000 mature individuals left in the wild. Its reliance on intact, humid forests makes it highly vulnerable to human development.

Where does the scissor-tailed hummingbird live?

This unique species is strictly endemic to the Paria Peninsula in northern Venezuela. It lives almost exclusively in the humid, subtropical forests found in the mountainous terrain of the Paria Peninsula National Park. It cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

What does the scissor-tailed hummingbird look like?

As its name implies, it features a distinct, deeply forked, scissor-like tail, which is notably long compared to its body size. Males have striking green and purple plumage, while females are generally more subdued in color. It belongs to a monotypic genus, meaning it has no close living relatives.

What is being done to protect the scissor-tailed hummingbird?

Conservation efforts are heavily focused on protecting the remaining forest within Paria Peninsula National Park, which is the bird's primary sanctuary. Environmental groups are working with local communities to promote sustainable land use practices. However, illegal logging and agricultural encroachment continue to threaten these protected areas.

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