Green thorntail

The green thorntail gets its name from the incredibly thin, elongated tail feathers found on the adult male. These outer tail feathers extend well beyond the body, ending in a sharp, pointy tip that looks like a thorn. Females lack this dramatic tail and have white malar stripes instead.

This canopy-dwelling hummingbird is found in Central and South America, specifically ranging from Costa Rica and Panama down into Colombia and Ecuador. It prefers the edges and canopies of humid montane forests. You will rarely spot it at sea level, as it usually stays at higher elevations.

The scientific name of the green thorntail is Discosura conversii, and it belongs to the Trochilidae family. Within the hummingbird family, it is part of the Lesbiini tribe, often referred to as the "coquettes." It is closely related to other thorntails and the booted racket-tails.

Like many hummingbirds, the female green thorntail constructs a tiny, cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, spider webs, and moss. She attaches this small nest to the underside of a large leaf for protection from rain and predators. The male takes no part in the nesting process or raising the chicks.