Violet-tailed Sylph
Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
Name Origin:
The genus name Aglaiocercus combines Greek aglaia meaning “splendor” or “beauty” and kerkos meaning “tail,” referencing the brilliant, elongated tail feathers. The species name coelestis is Latin for “heavenly,” reflecting its dazzling coloration and elegant appearance.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 18–21 cm (7.1–8.3 in) including the long tail
⚖️ Weight: ~5–6 g (0.18–0.21 oz)
🌎 Range: Pacific slopes of the Western Andes in Colombia and Ecuador
🧭 Elevation: 300–2,100 m (980–6,900 ft)
🌸 Diet: Primarily nectar, also small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Humid montane and cloud forest, forest edges, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini “Coquettes and Sylphs”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Two subspecies:
Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis
Distribution: Pacific slope of the Western Andes of Colombia and north to central Ecuador.Aglaiocercus coelestis aethereus
Distribution: Southwest Ecuador, from El Oro south to Loja.
Species Overview
The Violet-tailed Sylph is one of the most striking hummingbirds of the Andean cloud forests, famous for its glowing emerald body and exceptionally long, iridescent violet-blue tail feathers in males. Females lack the elongated tail but retain a vivid green-and-blue sheen. Agile and aggressive at feeders and flowers, this species often dominates other hummingbirds. Males perform spectacular display flights during courtship, using their tails like streamers to impress females.
Male Description:
Males are glittering emerald green with a metallic violet-blue tail extending well beyond the body. The crown is turquoise, and the throat sparkles under good light. The wings are dusky, and the underparts shift between green and bluish tones depending on angle and light.
Female Description:
Females are shorter-tailed, with more muted green above and whitish underparts heavily spotted with green. They may show a shorter violet tail, and a white post-ocular spot is usually present.
Habitat & Behavior:
Commonly inhabits mid-elevation montane cloud forests, especially along forest edges, clearings, and gardens. It frequently perches between feeding bouts, using the long tail for balance. While it feeds primarily on tubular flowers, it also consumes small insects in flight. Males are territorial and engage in dramatic aerial chases.
Conservation Note:
The Violet-tailed Sylph is currently listed as Least Concern but is reliant on intact cloud forest habitats. Habitat fragmentation from agriculture and development remains an ongoing concern. However, populations are stable in many protected reserves across Colombia and Ecuador.
Below is the Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis coelestis)
Photographed at 'Doña Dora', Valle del Cauca, Colombia
These individuals belong to the subspecies coelestis, found on the Pacific slope of the Western Andes from Colombia into north and central Ecuador. It favors humid montane forest edges and clearings between 900 and 2,100 meters. Males of this form are notable for their ultra-long violet tails, while females are more subdued but still glitter with green and blue iridescence.
