The Loddigesia mirabillis (scientific name) or marvellous spatuletail is found only in very small areas in the North-Western parts of Peru. 5.9 inches in length, this hummingbird has white, green and bronze plumage. This is brightened by the blue head crest feathers, beautiful turquoise throat and black lined under- parts. It gets its name from the two elongated outer tail feathers which resemble a spatula. Its diet predominantly consists of nectar from various flowers and plants. Polygamous in nature, the marvellous spatuletail performs an elaborate mating ritual of holding up its tail feathers and waving the spatules around. An average clutch has 2 eggs incubated for 2-3 weeks by the female alone. Its IUCN listing is ENDANGERED.
Marvellous Spatuletail
