Marvelous Spatuletail

Peru

Jul 17

Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)

Name Origin:
The genus Loddigesia honors George Loddiges, an English botanist and collector known for his interest in hummingbirds. The species name mirabilis means “marvelous” in Latin, referring to the male’s spectacular tail.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 15–18 cm (including tail streamers)
⚖️ Weight: ~5 g
🌎 Range: Northern Peru (Utcubamba Valley, Amazonas)
🧭 Elevation: 1,600–2,400 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Montane forest edge, second growth, and shrublands
🧬 Clade: Heliantheini (a.k.a. “brilliants”)
📊 Status: Endangered (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.

Species Overview

The Marvelous Spatuletail is a Peruvian endemic and one of the most remarkable hummingbirds on Earth. Males are unmistakable due to their exaggerated tail feathers — just four in total — with two outer feathers extending into long shafts tipped with large violet-purple discs. These feathers are used in complex aerial displays to attract females. The species is found only in a small section of the eastern Andes, often near forest edges and regenerating scrub.

Male Description:
Green upperparts, white underparts, violet forecrown, and two extravagant tail streamers ending in violet spatules. The inner tail feathers are short and straight, while the outer ones form an elongated arc often swung rhythmically during displays.

Female Description:
Green above, whitish below with some dusky sides, lacks spatulate tail feathers. Tail is relatively short and shows white tips on the outer feathers.

Habitat & Behavior:
Occurs along edges of humid montane forest, in secondary growth and shrubby areas where flowering plants are abundant. Males perform display flights at leks, lifting their tail streamers in a bouncing rhythm while hovering in front of perched females. Forages at low to mid-level flowers, especially on native shrubs and small trees. Also takes insects on the wing.

Conservation Note:
Endemic to a tiny area in northern Peru, the Marvelous Spatuletail is listed as Endangered. Habitat fragmentation, agriculture, and small range size pose major threats. However, focused conservation action, including ecotourism and local protection initiatives, has helped stabilize some populations. Continued protection of habitat corridors and lekking areas is essential.