Birds
Fork-tailed Woodnymph
Thalurania furcata
Flashing deep violet-blue against an iridescent green back, a male fork-tailed woodnymph moves through Amazon rainforest understory, one of the most frequently encountered hummingbirds found anywhere across the basin.
Overview
The fork-tailed woodnymph, Thalurania furcata, is a Least Concern hummingbird found across lowland rainforest understory throughout the Amazon basin. Its rich violet-blue plumage, distinctly forked tail, and status as one of the most common Amazon hummingbirds make it a familiar presence for anyone spending time in the forest understory.
A common jewel of the understory
While many hummingbirds are scarce or geographically restricted, the fork-tailed woodnymph thrives widely across the Amazon basin, making its striking violet-blue plumage one of the more reliably encountered splashes of colour in the rainforest understory.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and common across suitable rainforest understory habitat throughout the Amazon basin.
Fork-tailed Woodnymph: common questions
Why is it called the fork-tailed woodnymph?
It carries a notably forked tail, a feature that gives the species its common name, paired with rich violet-blue body plumage in males.
How common is the fork-tailed woodnymph?
It ranks among the most frequently encountered hummingbird species across its range, found widely throughout Amazon basin rainforest understory.
Do male and female fork-tailed woodnymphs look different?
Yes, females show duller, more subdued colouring compared to the vivid violet-blue plumage and iridescent green back of males.
What does the fork-tailed woodnymph eat?
It is an omnivore, feeding on flower nectar supplemented with small insects caught in flight.