Birds
File:Discosura popelairii (12711458984).jpg

Wire-crested Thorntail

Wire-crested Thorntail

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
A tiny and spectacular hummingbird known for the male's long, thin, wire-like crest and elongated, spiky tail feathers. Its small size and rapid movements make it an agile flier.
Where to spot
Humid tropical and subtropical montane forests and forest edges in the Andes, primarily from southern Colombia to northern Peru. Found at elevations typically between 600 and 1,800 meters.
How to spot
Look for this tiny bird visiting small flowers, often near forest edges or clearings. Its rapid flight makes it hard to follow, but it may return to preferred feeding sites, so patience is rewarded.
When to spot
Year-round resident. Most active during the day when foraging for nectar and small insects, often at specific flowering plants.
File:Discosura popelairii (12711458984).jpg
File:Discosura popelairii -near Manu Road, Peru-8.jpg
File:Discosura popelairii 16763677.jpg
File:Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) 2015-06-14 (5) (40283775722).jpg
File:Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) 2015-06-14 (7) (40329166481).jpg
File:Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) 2015-06-14 (9) (25457698457).jpg
File:Wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) female Wayra.jpg
File:Wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) male Sumaco.jpg
File:Wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) male in flight Sumaco.jpg
File:Discosura popelairii (12711458984).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Discosura popelairii -near Manu Road, Peru-8.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Discosura popelairii 16763677.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) 2015-06-14 (5) (40283775722).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) 2015-06-14 (7) (40329166481).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii) 2015-06-14 (9) (25457698457).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) female Wayra.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) male Sumaco.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Wire-crested thorntail (Discosura popelairii) male in flight Sumaco.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The male's distinctive 'thorntail' and wire-like crest are used in elaborate courtship displays, adding to its aerial acrobatics and visual appeal during interactions with females.
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