Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, JF, 1788)

Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Eupetomena macroura, is a hummingbird of north, east and central South America, breeding across those parts of the continent. It is placed in the family Trochilidae and was described by Gmelin in 1788. The bird is named for its long, deeply forked tail, which gives it a swallow-like shape. In much of its range it is the largest typical hummingbird. Its plumage is brilliant iridescent green with blue on the head, upper chest, tail and vent, and the sexes are very similar, though females are smaller and duller. It occurs in semi-open country, gardens and parks, and avoids the interior of humid forest.

Order

Apodiformes

Family

Trochilidae — Hummingbirds

Breeding range

South America: ne, e, c