The Long-tailed Sylph, sometimes known as the Sylph Hummingbird, is a fascinating bird found in the Andean mountains of South America. This beautiful bird is distinguished by its long feathers, which can be up to twice the length of its body, that plumage is iridescent and means the long tail sylph is easily recognized. Males of the species possess particularly impressive plumage, with bright emerald-green coloration in their feathers and a metallic blue crown.
This bird is one of the largest and most striking of the South American hummingbirds. It can grow up to 17 cm in length, with the males being slightly larger than the females. They weigh no more than 7g, which is about the weight of a 5c coin. Long-tailed Sylphs have bills that are long, slender and slightly curved - perfectly suited to draw nectar from flowers.
The Long-tailed Sylph is a specialized nectar feeder, spending much of its day seeking out the sweet nectar of high altitude flowers in the Andes. This, in turn, helps to pollinate the plant species it visits. Hummingbirds such as this bird possess a unique method of feeding, where they hover in front of flowers and lap up nectar with their thin and long tongue. As a result of this feeding style, Long-tailed Sylphs are constantly in motion, making them difficult to spot or photograph.
This hummingbird is usually found in forests and woodland areas between 2,500 to 13,000 feet. While it leads an active lifestyle, flying constantly in search of nectar, it generally returns to sheltering trees for rest. The Long-tailed Sylph is an incredible sight to behold, with its iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight. It is a true wonder of nature, a tribute to the beauty and diversity of life on our planet.