Birds
Long-tailed Sylph
Aglaiocercus kingii
Streaming an iridescent blue-green tail longer than its own body, a male long-tailed sylph moves through Andean cloud forest with a grace few other hummingbirds can match.
Overview
The long-tailed sylph, Aglaiocercus kingii, is a Least Concern hummingbird found across Andean cloud forest from Venezuela and Colombia south through Peru and Bolivia. Its extraordinarily long, deeply forked, iridescent tail in males makes it one of the most visually elegant hummingbirds found anywhere in the Andes, a stark contrast to the shorter-tailed, duller females.
A tail built for display, not practicality
The male long-tailed sylph’s extravagant tail comes at a real energetic cost to maintain and fly with, a trade-off common among species where visual display plays a central role in attracting mates.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable Andean cloud forest habitat throughout its range.
Long-tailed Sylph: common questions
How long is the long-tailed sylph's tail?
In males, the deeply forked, iridescent blue-green tail is often longer than the rest of the bird's body combined, one of the most exaggerated tail proportions found among hummingbirds.
Do male and female long-tailed sylphs look the same?
No, females show a much shorter tail and duller plumage compared to the elaborately tailed, iridescent males.
What does the long-tailed sylph eat?
It is an omnivore, feeding on flower nectar supplemented with small insects caught in flight.
Where is the long-tailed sylph found?
It ranges along the Andes from Venezuela and Colombia south through Peru and Bolivia, favoring cloud forest habitat.