Black-backed Thornbill
Black-backed Thornbill
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The Black-backed Thornbill is a slender hummingbird found in the Andes, known for its remarkably long, deeply forked tail, which can be twice the length of its body, and a dark, often blackish, back.
Where to spot
Found in the high Andes from southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru, inhabiting temperate forests, shrublands, páramo edges, and even gardens, typically at elevations between 2,200 to 3,800 meters.
How to spot
Look for its incredibly long, forked tail. It often hovers to feed at flowers, but can also be seen perching. Pay attention to the dark, often blackish, back and its relatively large size compared to other thornbills. Hummingbird feeders are also good places to spot them.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Observable year-round in its habitat.
Where to spot
Found in the high Andes from southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru, inhabiting temperate forests, shrublands, páramo edges, and even gardens, typically at elevations between 2,200 to 3,800 meters.
How to spot
Look for its incredibly long, forked tail. It often hovers to feed at flowers, but can also be seen perching. Pay attention to the dark, often blackish, back and its relatively large size compared to other thornbills. Hummingbird feeders are also good places to spot them.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Observable year-round in its habitat.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The male Black-backed Thornbill's extremely long tail, one of the longest relative to body size among all birds, is primarily used for display during courtship flights and makes it instantly recognizable, despite its small body.
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