Red-tailed Comet

Argentina

Jul 17

Red-tailed Comet (Sappho sparganurus)

Name Origin:
The genus Sappho refers to the ancient Greek poet, symbolizing beauty and elegance. The species epithet sparganurus comes from Greek sparganóō meaning “to wrap” and oura meaning “tail,” referring to the male’s elongated, streamer-like tail feathers.

Quick Facts

🪶 Length: 13–22 cm (5.1–8.7 in) — males with extremely long tails
⚖️ Weight: ~5.5–7 g (0.19–0.25 oz)
🌎 Range: Eastern Andes from southern Peru and Bolivia south into northwestern Argentina
🧭 Elevation: 1,500–3,800 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Dry intermontane valleys, montane scrub, and arid woodlands
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini (a.k.a. “coquettes”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

Two subspecies:

Sappho sparganurus sparganurus
Distribution: Eastern slope of the Andes in northern Bolivia; possibly also extreme southern Peru.
Sappho sparganurus sapho
Distribution: Eastern slope of the Andes from central Bolivia (Cochabamba) south to northwestern and western Argentina (Jujuy and Salta to Neuquén).

Species Overview

The Red-tailed Comet is one of the most striking hummingbirds of the Andes, especially the male, whose shimmering green body and flaming red, deeply forked tail trail behind in flight. It is adapted to high, arid valleys and open woodlands, where it zips between flowering shrubs with impressive speed and agility. Males often display by soaring or perching conspicuously in open areas.

Male Description:
Metallic green head and back, glowing crimson tail with deeply forked streamers, white underparts, and small straight bill. Tail is longer than the body in adult males and shifts colors in light.

Female Description:
Green upperparts, whitish underparts with pale spotting, and shorter reddish tail with less pronounced fork. More compact and less vibrant than the male but still distinctive.

Habitat & Behavior:
Found in arid to semi-arid valleys, montane scrub, and open dry forest, typically between 1,500 and 3,800 meters. Aggressively defends flowering territories and often perches in the open. Feeds at both native and introduced flowers and supplements its diet with small insects. Males are especially visible during breeding season when they display their long tails.

Conservation Note:
Despite habitat degradation in parts of its range, the Red-tailed Comet is adaptable and remains common in many areas. It is often seen around human-altered landscapes with flowering trees and shrubs and is present in several protected areas throughout its range.

Below is the Red-tailed Comet (Sappho sparganurus sapho)

Photographed at Provincial Potrero De Yala Park, Capital, Jujuy, Argentina

These individuals belong to the subspecies sapho, which ranges from central Bolivia (Cochabamba) south through northwestern and western Argentina, including Jujuy and Salta. This form is nearly indistinguishable in plumage from sparganurus, but differs slightly in measurements and tail length on average. It inhabits dry Andean valleys and montane scrub, where males display their vivid crimson tails in open flight corridors.