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Wire-crested Thorntail

Small, compact hummingbird found on the east slope of Andes from central Colombia to central Peru. Male is unmistakable; look for long pointed tail, wirelike crest, short straight bill, and white band across the rump. Female is less spectacular, but still has the obvious white rump band and a white mustache patch. Occurs in the foothills from around 600 to 1,600 m. Can be seen at flowering shrubs (especially purple Verbena) and trees.

 

This one was photographed in Ecuador on a photography tour led by Juan Carlos Vindas of Neotropic Photo Tours.

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Uploaded on March 6, 2026
Taken on December 5, 2025