Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
Name Origin:
The genus Amazilia honors an Incan heroine from a French novel by Jean-François Marmontel. The species name tzacatl is derived from Nahuatl, referencing a hummingbird in Aztec mythology.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 9–11 cm (3.5–4.3 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~4.5–5.0 g (0.16–0.18 oz)
🌎 Range: Southern Mexico to western Ecuador and throughout northern South America
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to 1,800 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Open forest, plantations, gardens, second-growth
🧬 Clade: Trochilini (a.k.a. “emeralds”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Five subspecies:
Amazilia tzacatl tzacatl
Distribution: Eastern Mexico (south Veracruz, northern Oaxaca) south through Central America to west-central Panama (west Darién)Amazilia tzacatl fuscicaudata
Distribution: Northern and western Colombia (Cauca and Magdalena valleys) and western Venezuela (Lara to Táchira)Amazilia tzacatl brehmi
Distribution: Andes of southwestern Colombia (upper Río Guiza, Nariño)Amazilia tzacatl jucunda
Distribution: Lowlands and west slope in western Colombia (Chocó) and western Ecuador (south to western Loja)Amazilia tzacatl handleyi
Distribution: Isla Escudo de Veraguas, off the Caribbean coast of northwest Panama
Species Overview
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is one of the most widespread and familiar hummingbirds in the Neotropics. It thrives in disturbed and edge habitats, often aggressively defending feeders or flowering shrubs. Iridescent green plumage and a bright rufous tail make it easily recognizable across its range.
Male Description:
Glittering green body with a slightly bronzy crown, black-tipped straight bill with red base, and vibrant rufous tail.
Female Description:
Similar to the male but with slightly duller green and less extensive red on the bill. Tail and size are comparable.
Habitat & Behavior:
Common in gardens, forest edges, and plantations. Readily visits feeders and is known for aggressive defense of floral resources. Forages with direct, powerful flight, often hovering or perching in open view. Active year-round with little altitudinal movement.
Conservation Note:
Highly adaptable and one of the few species that thrives in disturbed and urban landscapes. Populations are stable and widespread. No conservation concerns at present.t, undeniably leaving a lasting impression with its vibrant appearance and spirited demeanor. Its presence brings life and energy to the rich tapestry of the natural world, making it a treasured sight for bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
5 subspecies:
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Rufous-tailed)
A. t brehmi
Distribution Andes of SW Colombia (upper R Guiza, in Nariño).A. t. fuscicaudata
Distribution N and W Colombia (Cauca and Magdalena Valleys) and W Venezuela (W Lara, W Táchira).
A. t. jucunda
Distribution lowlands and W slope in W Colombia (Chocó) and W Ecuador (S to W Loja).A. t. tzacatl
Distribution E Mexico (S Veracruz, N Oaxaca) S to WC Panama (W Darién).
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Escudo)
5. A. t. handley
Distribution I Escudo de Veraguas, off NW Panama.
Below is the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl fuscicaudata)
Photographed throughout Colombia
These individuals belong to the subspecies fuscicaudata, which ranges across northern and western Colombia, including the Magdalena and Cauca valleys, and extends into western Venezuela. This form is consistent with the species' overall appearance but may show slightly darker tail tones and deeper green on the upperparts. Common in gardens, edge forest, and lowland tropical landscapes.
Below is the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl tzacatl)
Photographed throughout Costa Rica
These individuals belong to the nominate subspecies tzacatl, found from eastern Mexico south through much of Central America, including both slopes of Costa Rica. This is the most widespread form, with standard field marks: glowing green plumage, rufous tail, and red-black bill. Readily found in gardens and open woodlands across the country.
