The Green Thorntail (Discosura conversii) is a species of hummingbird found in South America. With its brilliant green plumage, long tail feathers, and distinctive white-tipped tail, the Green Thorntail is one of the most striking and recognizable hummingbird species. In this article, we will explore the key identifying features, habitat, diet, behavior, breeding, conservation status, and interesting facts about this beautiful bird.
Identifying Features
Measuring around 8-10 cm in length and weighing just 3-5 grams, the Green Thorntail is a small but flashy hummingbird. As the name suggests, the plumage of adult males is predominantly bright emerald green on the head, back, rump, and underparts. The wings are blackish with a faint green sheen. The most distinctive feature is the greatly elongated outer tail feathers which can measure up to 10 cm, tipped with large white spots. The bill is straight, slim, and black. Females are similar but lack the long tail streamers and have more brownish-gray underparts. Juveniles resemble adult females but with buff edges to the feathers.
Distribution and Habitat
The Green Thorntail has a relatively wide distribution across northern and central South America. Its range extends through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. It occupies a range of forest and woodland habitats including tropical evergreen forests, gallery forests, second growth, forest edges, clearings and parks. It has been recorded from sea level up to elevations of 1200 m.
Diet and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, the Green Thorntail feeds on nectar taken from a variety of colorful, tubular flowers such as Heliconia, Costus, bananas, and flowering trees and epiphytes. It uses its specialized long bill and extendable tongue to drink the nectar while hovering in front of flowers. It also consumes small insects which provide essential proteins. Aerial insects are caught during flight or gleaned from foliage. The Green Thorntail will aggressively defend flower patches from other hummingbirds.
Behavior
This hummingbird displays energetic and acrobatic flight patterns, with the males exhibiting pendulum display flights to court females. In this display, the male flies back and forth in a wide arc, swinging the tail and fluttering the wings. Green Thorntails are aggressive and territorial, chasing away other hummingbirds from their flower patches and perches. They have various vocalizations including whistles, chirps, and squeaks.
Breeding
The breeding season of the Green Thorntail coincides with the rainy season which brings greater flower abundance. The female builds a small cup-shaped nest out of soft plant fibers and spider webs, attached to a branch, often overhanging a stream. She lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them for 15-19 days. The chicks hatch with eyes closed and almost no feathers. They are fed regurgitated insects and nectar by the female and fledge after about 20-26 days.
Conservation Status
The Green Thorntail has a wide range and large total population, estimated at 100,000 to 1 million individuals. Its population appears to be stable and the species is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss is a localized threat in some regions.
Interesting Facts
– The long tail feathers of the male Green Thorntail allow them to make incredibly fast and precise U-turns and other maneuvers during their pendulum courtship displays.
– This species is named for the English naturalist and explorer Henry Walter Bates who collected the first specimen in Brazil in 1848.
– Green Thorntails have unusually short legs which makes walking and perching difficult! They prefer to remain on the wing.
– Their long tongues have forked tips which help collect nectar. The tongues also have tube-like grooves to help suck up liquid.
– Males are highly territorial and patrol their flower patches to chase away intruders with acrobatic flying pursuits.
– During cold nights, they reduce their metabolic rate and body temperature dramatically, entering a hibernation-like state called torpor to conserve energy.
Conclusion
With its vivid green plumage, elongated tail plumes and energetic nature, the Green Thorntail is surely one of the most striking hummingbirds of South America’s forests. While common and not considered threatened, continued habitat conservation is needed to protect the flowering plants and nesting sites this species depends on. The Green Thorntail’s unique adaptations for hovering flight, nectar-feeding and aerial courtship displays make it a marvel of natural selection. Watching its graceful maneuvers and flashy colors, it’s easy to see why hummingbirds have captivated humans for so long. With dedicated conservation, these tiniest of birds will continue inspiring wonder for generations to come.