Wire-crested Thorntail

Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii)

Name Origin:
The genus Discosura combines Greek diskos (“disk”) and oura (“tail”), referencing the unique tail shape found in this group. The species name popelairii honors François Popelaire de Terloo, a Belgian naturalist.

Quick Facts

🯦 Length: 10–11 cm (3.9–4.3 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~3.0–3.5 g (0.11–0.12 oz)
🌎 Range: Foothills and east slopes of the Andes from eastern Colombia and Ecuador south to northern Peru and western Brazil
🛍️ Elevation: 500–1,800 m (1,640–5,900 ft)
🌺 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid foothill and montane forest edges, clearings, and second growth
🧬 Clade: Lesbiini “Coquettes”
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)

Subspecies & Distribution

The Wire-crested Thorntail is monotypic; no recognized subspecies.

Species Overview

The Wire-crested Thorntail is a small, eye-catching hummingbird, instantly recognized by the male’s wiry, elongated crown plumes and deeply forked tail. Active and agile, this species frequents forest edges, clearings, and gardens where it hovers expertly to feed at small flowers.

Male Description:
Males are emerald green with a metallic sheen, a small white spot behind the eye, and a remarkable set of wiry, forward-curving crown feathers. The tail is long, deeply forked, and “thorn”-tipped, with the central feathers elongated and narrow.

Female Description:
Females lack the crown plumes and have a shorter, slightly forked tail with white tips. Their plumage is more subdued, green above and whitish below with dusky sides.

Habitat & Behavior:
This species prefers foothill and lower montane forests, especially clearings and edges with abundant flowers. Males often display from exposed perches and pursue females in rapid, fluttering flights. Both sexes feed on nectar and small insects, and are highly maneuverable in flight.

Conservation Note:
Widespread and locally common, the Wire-crested Thorntail is listed as Least Concern. Although sensitive to extensive deforestation, it persists in disturbed habitats with enough floral resources.