Green-tailed Trainbearer

Identification

The green-tailed trainbearer is a small hummingbird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males measure 15.3–17 cm long (including a notably elongated 10.6–13.6 cm tail), while females are considerably smaller at around 11.6 cm with tails of 4.5–6.2 cm. Both sexes weigh only 3.1–4.3 grams. Males of the nominate subspecies are almost entirely glittering emerald green, with iridescent emerald throats and grayish lower bellies dotted with green. The most distinctive feature is the long, forked, black tail tipped with green. Females resemble males but have white underparts with glittering green spots and shorter tails. The species has a short, straight black bill. Subspecific variation is notable: some populations show more golden-bronze plumage, paler bellies, or variations in bill length and tail coloration.

Range & Habitat

The green-tailed trainbearer inhabits the Andes of northwestern South America, with six recognized subspecies found across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Different populations occupy distinct regions: some subspecies are found in the Eastern and Central Andes of Colombia, others across Ecuador's mountain ranges, while populations in Peru range from Piura to Huánuco departments, and additional subspecies occur in southwestern Peru and Bolivia. The species favors secondary woodland and brushy slopes, also occurring in Polylepis woodland and páramo habitats. Elevations range from 1,700 to 3,800 meters (5,600 to 12,500 feet). An old Venezuelan record remains unconfirmed.

Behaviour & Diet

The green-tailed trainbearer is primarily nectarivorous, foraging at low to medium heights on flowers including Castilleja, Cavendishia, Rubus, Cuphea, and Palicourea species. It supplements its diet with insects captured in flight and gleaned directly from blossoms. The species likely undergoes elevational movements following breeding and flowering seasons, though its movements remain poorly documented. During the November to April breeding season, males produce a distinctive repeated gravelly 'drrrt...drrrt...' song and buzzy calls, along with snapping sounds created by the tail or wings during displays. Females construct tiny cup nests of moss and rootlets lined with soft plant material, typically placing them 2–4 meters above ground beneath slope overhangs. Clutches consist of two eggs.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from November to April offers the best opportunity to encounter this species, when birds are most active and vocal. The green-tailed trainbearer is locally fairly common throughout its Andean range, making it a rewarding target for patient observers. Visiting secondary woodlands and brushy slopes at mid-to-high elevations (1,700–3,800 m) in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia offers the greatest chance of sightings. Focus on areas with flowering plants that attract the species, particularly during peak blooming periods. Early mornings typically yield the most productive observations.

Photography Tips

Photographing this trainbearer requires patience and attention to its foraging behavior at low to medium heights. Males' glittering emerald plumage demands careful exposure and white balance; overexposure risks losing the iridescent throat detail. The spectacular long, forked tail is best captured in profile during hovering or display flights. The snapping tail displays provide dramatic action shots. Position yourself near flowering plants where the species forages regularly, particularly Castilleja and Cavendishia species. Higher shutter speeds (1/2000s or faster) are essential to freeze wing motion. Dawn light at high elevations often provides excellent clarity and color saturation for capturing the male's brilliant green plumage.