Fork-tailed Woodnymph

Overview

The fork-tailed woodnymph (Thalurania furcata) is a species of hummingbird within the tribe Trochilini of the subfamily Trochilinae. It is distributed across mainland South America, excluding Chile and Uruguay.

Identification

• Males measure 9.5 to 12.9 cm in length, while females range from 8 to 10.7 cm; both possess a straight, black, medium-length bill.
• Males of the nominate subspecies exhibit dark bronzy green upperparts, a violet band across the upper back, a glittering green throat, and a violet belly.
• The tail is forked and blue-black, with males having dark steely blue undertail coverts edged with dull white.
• Song varies geographically, including an incessant series of high-pitched, wiry notes described as 'see-tseet...see-tseet' in Ecuador and Peru, or insect-like pulsing notes in eastern Venezuela.

Habitat

Found within Amazonia, this species inhabits a variety of landscapes including terra firme and várzea forests, particularly their edges and gaps, as well as mature secondary forest and semi-open areas like plantations and gardens. Its elevation range extends from sea level to approximately 2,000 m.

Diet

The species forages for nectar at all levels of its habitat, utilizing a wide variety of flowering plants, shrubs, vines, and trees. Males often defend flower patches against other hummingbirds, while females may forage by trap-lining. Additionally, it captures small arthropods on the wing and by gleaning from foliage.

Did you know?

The genus name Thalurania combines the Ancient Greek words for 'child' and 'heaven', while the specific epithet furcata derives from Medieval Latin meaning 'forked'.