The Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) is one of the most striking hummingbirds, known for its iridescent greens, blues, and purples. The males boast long, shimmering violet and blue tail feathers, which can make up more than half of their 7-8 inch length. The females, though smaller and less colorful, share the species’ sleek body shape and short, black bill.
This magnificent hummingbird is found in the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador, where it thrives in misty, mossy habitats. Though still considered fairly common, it faces threats from habitat loss and conservation efforts are in place to protect its future.
How to Identify the Violet-Tailed Sylph
Male Features
- Brilliant green head and back
- Bright blue and violet tail feathers (long and iridescent)
- Short, straight black bill
Female Features
- Smaller and more muted in color
- Shorter tail without the long violet extensions
- Buff-colored belly with green upperparts
The males’ long tails are a major distinguishing feature, similar to the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird and the Marvelous Spatuletail. This tail serves a key role in attracting mates and establishing dominance.
Courtship and Nesting Behavior
The male Violet-tailed Sylph uses its long, vibrant tail to attract females, performing elaborate display flights. The healthiest males tend to have the longest, most colorful tails, making them more attractive to potential mates.
Nesting Habits
- The female builds the nest, using moss and spider silk to create a dome-like structure.
- The nest is hidden within epiphytes or moss, offering protection.
- The female lays two white eggs, incubating them alone for several weeks.
- After hatching, she feeds her young by regurgitating nectar and insects.
- Chicks fledge about three weeks after hatching.
Unique Nesting Behavior
Unlike many hummingbirds, Violet-tailed Sylphs build additional nests outside the breeding season, using them as nighttime roosts. This behavior confused scientists, leading them to believe that they bred year-round.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Like other hummingbirds, the Violet-tailed Sylph has a varied diet of nectar and small insects.
- Nectar Feeding – Follows a traplining method, visiting the same circuit of flowers daily.
- Insect Hunting – Catches tiny insects in mid-air or from vegetation.
- Piercing Flowers – Uses its short bill to pierce flower bases for nectar.
It typically feeds close to the ground along forest edges, making it easier to spot for birdwatchers.
Where to Find the Violet-Tailed Sylph
This species is native to the Pacific slopes of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, usually at elevations around 3,200 feet. It prefers misty cloud forests rich in moss and epiphytes.
Seasonal Movements
- The Violet-tailed Sylph makes short altitudinal movements, following flowering seasons to ensure a steady food supply.
- Its range sometimes overlaps with the Long-tailed Sylph, but it can be distinguished by its violet tail, whereas the Long-tailed Sylph has green and blue tail feathers.
Conservation Status and Threats
The Violet-tailed Sylph is still fairly common and can tolerate some human-altered landscapes. However, like many cloud forest species, it faces increasing threats from deforestation and habitat degradation.
Conservation Efforts
Several reserves have been established within its range, including:
- Buenaventura Reserve (Ecuador) – Protects the Endangered El Oro Parakeet.
- Cerulean Warbler Reserve (Colombia) – Home to neotropical migrants like the Cerulean Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Summer Tanager.
Organizations like the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) are working to protect its habitat and ensure its long-term survival.
The Violet-tailed Sylph is one of the most striking hummingbirds, with its brilliantly colored plumage and long, iridescent tail feathers. Found in the Andean cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador, this bird plays an important role in its ecosystem by pollinating flowers and controlling insect populations.
While still relatively common, habitat loss remains a concern, making conservation efforts crucial for its future. Birdwatchers and conservationists alike continue to admire and protect this jewel of the hummingbird world.
FAQ’s
Where is the Violet-tailed Sylph found?
The Violet-tailed Sylph is found along the Pacific slopes of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, typically in cloud forests around 3,200 feet.
What is unique about the male Violet-tailed Sylph?
The male has long, iridescent violet and blue tail feathers that make up more than half its body length. These tails are used in courtship displays.
How does the Violet-tailed Sylph feed?
It feeds on nectar by visiting specific flowers daily (traplining), pierces flower bases for nectar, and catches small insects in mid-air.
Why do Violet-tailed Sylphs build extra nests?
They use these nests as night roosts, likely as an adaptation to their cold, wet cloud forest environment. This confused scientists into thinking they bred year-round.
Is the Violet-tailed Sylph endangered?
No, but habitat loss threatens its population. Conservation groups are protecting cloud forests to ensure its survival.
