The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) is a fascinating species of hummingbird found in Mexico and Central America. With its vibrant, iridescent plumage and energetic flight, this diminutive bird captures the imagination of birders and nature enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the identification, distribution, habitat, diet, breeding behavior, conservation status, and unique characteristics of the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.
Identification
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is a small hummingbird, measuring 3 to 4 inches in length and weighing 2 to 5 grams. The male has unmistakable bright orange-red plumage on the head, rump, and tail. When the sunlight hits just right, these red feathers blaze brilliantly. The back and belly are an iridescent green, while the wings are a deep brownish-purple. The long bill is straight and black. The female is similar, but less vibrantly colored, with more green overall and little orange on the head and rump. The immature birds resemble the female. While extremely active and fast flying, the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird may perch for brief periods, allowing observation of its distinctive plumage.
Distribution
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is found from southern Mexico through Central America as far south as Panama. Its range extends from sea level up to 5,000 feet in elevation. It is generally common in humid lowlands and foothills, but scarcer in drier regions. Ideal habitat appears to be forest edges, second growth, gardens, and scrubland with flowering plants. This species is a year-round resident throughout most of its range. Some northern populations may migrate short distances to spend the winter in Central America.
Habitat
As its name indicates, the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird occupies a variety of habitats. It is found in tropical evergreen forest, woodland, secondary growth, scrubland, and savanna, from sea level to 5,000 feet in elevation. It readily adapts to human settlements, occupying parks, gardens, pastures, and agricultural areas. It tends to prefer forest edges, openings, and semi-open areas where flowering plants are abundant. The availability of nectar-producing flowers and plants for perching are likely the most important habitat components for this species.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird survives on nectar from flowering plants. It uses its specialized long bill and extendable tongue to extract the nectar. It prefers flowers with red corollas, which are often adapted specifically for pollination by hummingbirds. Some favorite nectar sources include poinsettia, cardinal flower, honeysuckle, and red salvia. The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird supplements its diet with small insects including spiders, caterpillars, beetles, and ants. The protein gained from eating insects likely provides an important nutritional component. This hummingbird can often be seen feeding at flowers and capturing tiny insects on the wing with great acrobatic skill.
Breeding
The breeding behavior of the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird provides insight into the elaborate courtship displays of many hummingbirds. Males establish feeding territories in the early spring, which they aggressively defend from intruders. They perform elaborate courtship flights to impress females, flying in loops and arcs while making a buzzing sound with their tail feathers. Once paired, the female builds a tiny cup nest out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens on a thin tree branch. She incubates the two pea-sized white eggs for about 15 days. The chicks are fed regurgitated insect matter by the female. They leave the nest at 20 to 25 days, but remain close by for another couple weeks, relying on the female for food. Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds can breed two to three times in a year if resources permit. Pairs form new bonds each season, rather than mate permanently.
Conservation Status
The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird remains widespread and fairly common throughout its range. Its ability to thrive in human-altered habitat has likely aided its continued success. However, habitat loss in some regions from development, logging, and agriculture poses threats. Pesticides can reduce insect prey populations. Introduced diseases spread through hummingbird feeders may also impact scattered populations. Climate change and severe weather events could affect future food resources. Nevertheless, the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Ongoing habitat conservation and hummingbird-friendly gardening practices can help ensure the species persists across its range.
Unique Characteristics
– Bills exceptionally long – up to 2x as long as heads
– Heart rate up to 1,200 beats per minute
– Wings beat 50-80 times per second
– Only bird able to fly backwards
– Rotating wrists enable precise hovering and omnidirectional flight
– See UV light and multicolored oil droplets enhance color vision
– Use split-second memory to build flower “maps” for efficient foraging
– Complex courtship dives and displays
– Highly territorial; fiercely protective of feeding areas
– Enter torpor-like state at night to conserve energy
– Migrate solo, without benefit of flocks
– Thrive in noisy urban areas unsuitable for many birds
The diminutive Rufous-tailed Hummingbird punches above its weight when it comes to fascinating bird behaviors. From its specialized physiology to its scrappy spirit, this species offers ample insights into the dynamism of hummingbirds. While small, it leads a big life packed with action and activity. Whether buzzing by on whirring wings or perching briefly in a shaft of sunlight, the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird dazzles the senses and brings vibrant color and energy to any environment it inhabits. Those lucky enough to observe this feisty character in the wild will not soon forget the encounter. With persistence and care in protecting their remaining habitats, we can ensure these captivating creatures continue to brighten our natural areas for generations to come.