White-tailed Hummingbird
White-tailed Hummingbird (Eupherusa poliocerca)
Name Origin:
The genus Eupherusa may derive from Greek eu (“good”) and pherusa (“to carry”), referencing agile flight. The species name poliocerca is from polios (“gray”) and kerkos (“tail”), describing its pale tail.
Quick Facts
Length: 10–11 cm (3.9–4.3 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~3.5–4 g (0.12–0.14 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to the Pacific slope of southern Mexico, from Guerrero to western Oaxaca
🛍️ Elevation: 800–1,800 m (2,625–5,900 ft)
🌺 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid montane forests, pine-oak woodlands, forest edges, and coffee plantations
🧬 Clade: Trochilini “Emeralds”
📊 Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
This species is monotypic; no recognized subspecies.
Species Overview
Restricted to a narrow swath of highland forest in southern Mexico, the White-tailed Hummingbird is a local and uncommon specialist of humid slopes and ravines. Its striking white tail, shimmering green back, and soft vocalizations set it apart from similar species. It is typically encountered alone or at flowering trees, foraging quickly and sometimes aggressively.
Male Description:
Males are metallic green above with a pure white tail and bluish-green central tail feathers. Underparts are mostly grayish-white, and the bill is straight and black.
Female Description:
Females resemble males but are slightly duller, with less extensive iridescence above and more gray below. The tail remains white with greenish central feathers.
Habitat & Behavior:
Prefers mid- to high-elevation montane forests, forest edges, and pine-oak woodlands. Feeds on nectar from a range of flowers, often at mid- to upper levels. This hummingbird is somewhat shy, usually foraging quietly close to cover.
Conservation Note:
The White-tailed Hummingbird is classified as Near Threatened due to its small, fragmented range and continued habitat loss from agriculture and logging. Protection of remaining forests in the Sierra Madre del Sur is crucial for its long-term survival.
