2squeakyshoes

Photography by Mathieu Rivrin

restaurant

by Ron Evans Farm Dog, Denmark, Arkansas, 1997

The Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) is an endangered hummingbird endemic to northern Peru, famous for the male's spectacular tail feathers, which feature two long, wire-like feathers with large, iridescent "spatules" (discs) at the end, used in elaborate courtship displays. Males have a blue crown, turquoise throat, and a black stripe down their white chest, while females are less colorful and have shorter tails with smaller spatules. They inhabit cloud forest edges and scrublands, feeding on nectar from specific flowers, and are a major draw for birdwatchers, with conservation efforts focused on protecting their habitat.