- Wire-crested Thorntail
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Wire-crested Thorntail Conservation status Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae Genus: Discosura Species: D. popelairii Binomial name Discosura popelairii
Du Bus de Gisignies, 1846Synonyms Popelairia popelairii
The Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) is a hummingbird which occurs in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
The male of the eastern slopes of the northern Andes, has elongated tail feathers that curve outward and taper from a broad base to a slender tip. The outermost is longest and each successive feather toward the center is shorter. All are steel-blue, with white shafts, making a most striking and curious display when spread. The bird has a crest of brilliant green feathers.
These birds feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue or catch insects on the wing.
These birds require frequent feeding while active during the day and become torpid at night to conserve energy.
References
- Züchner, T. 1999. Wire-crested Throntail (Discosura popelairii). Pp. 571 in: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. eds. 1999. Handbook of the Birds of the World.. Vol. 5. Barn-owls to Hummingbirds. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-25-3
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