#trainbearer

photograph by Dennis Binda

Black-tailed Trainbearer

the black-tailed trainbearer is a hummingbird species found in columbia, ecuador, and peru. like other hummingbirds, they feed primarily on nectar and occasional small arthropods. they are named for the male’s distinctive long, flowing tail; the female has a typical short tail. unlike most other hummingbirds, they are a very passive species, and are often displaced from resources by more aggressive hummingbirds.

Black-tailed Trainbearer - Lesbia victoriae feeding on a native Dalea coerulea flower by Luis Alcivar Via Flickr: One of the most amazing hummingbird displays to watch. The male flies high in the sky, when it has reached roughly forty meters it dives down like a meteor, while descending he swiftly bangs both tails together producing a cracking noise which apparently females adore. Photo taken with natural light - no flash(s). The best birdwatching and bird photography tours in Ecuador: www.sanjorgeecolodges.com Photo taken at: San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito