Scissor-tailed hummingbird

This species can be found only in Venezuela.[1] It was formerly (2004) classified as a Vulnerable species by the IUCN. But new research has shown it to be rarer than it was believed. Consequently, it is uplisted to Endangered status in 2008.[1]

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical lower and upper moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss, at an elevation of 800–1,200 metres (2,600–3,900 ft) above sea level.[1]

Hylonympha macrocerca can reach a length of about 19 centimetres (7.5 in), with a 10 centimetres (3.9 in) long tail. Males of these hummingbirds show an amazing blackish-purple forked long tail, a metallic dark green plumage with a shining violet cap, an emerald breast and a blackish-green hind crown. In the females the tail is shorter than in males. They are dark green, with a chestnut belly and a white centre of breast. Bill is black, long and slightly decurved.[1][2]

These hummingbirds in primary forests mainly feed on nectar of Bromeliaceae flowers and on small insects, whereas in secondary forests they feed at Heliconia aurea and Costus species.[1][2]

Distribution map

• del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International.