Wire-crested Thorntail

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Wire-crested Thorntail
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae Genus: Popelairia Species: P. popelairii
Binomial name
Popelairia popelairii (Du Bus de Gisignies, 1846)

The Wire-crested Thorntail, Popelairia popelairii, is a hummingbird which occurs in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

The male of the eastern slopes of the northern Andes, has elongated tail feathers that curve outward and taper from a broad base to a slender tip. The outermost is longest and each successive feather toward the center is shorter. All are steel-blue, with white shafts, making a most striking and curious display when spread. The bird has a crest of brilliant green feathers.

These birds feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue or catch insects on the wing.

Because of their small size, they are vulnerable to insect-eating birds and animals. These birds require frequent feeding while active during the day and become torpid at night to conserve energy.