Narrow-tailed Emerald
Chlorostilbon stenurus
Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae
Wikimedia Commons
About the Narrow-tailed Emerald
The Narrow-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon stenurus) is a vibrant member of the hummingbird family, Trochilidae, celebrated for its striking emerald-green plumage that glistens in the light. This small bird is predominantly found in the montane and lowland forests across the northern regions of South America, with a range spanning countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Its ecological role is significant as it serves as both a pollinator and a predator of small insects. The hummingbird's specialized bill allows it to feed on a variety of flowering plants, facilitating cross-pollination. In the complex ecosystem of tropical forests, the Narrow-tailed Emerald plays a crucial part in maintaining floral diversity. During the breeding season, which generally coincides with the rainy months, this species becomes particularly active in seeking out dense foliage, where it constructs its delicate cup-like nests. Its presence is a reliable indicator of healthy forest ecosystems, making it a species of interest for conservation and ecological studies. The Narrow-tailed Emerald's adaptability to various elevations, from sea level up to 2,000 meters, enables it to exploit a range of nectar sources, adapting its feeding behavior to the availability of flowering plants. Seasonal movements are often dictated by the blooming cycles of these plants, and while some populations remain resident, others undertake localized migrations to follow floral abundance. Beyond its ecological role, the Narrow-tailed Emerald captivates bird watchers and naturalists alike with its iridescent colors and dynamic flight patterns, making it a subject of fascination and study.
The Narrow-tailed Emerald belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live 4-7 years with a maximum recorded of 9 years.
How to Identify a Narrow-tailed Emerald
Adult Narrow-tailed Emeralds are distinguished by their brilliant green plumage, with males exhibiting a more vivid sheen compared to females. The male's underparts are a shimmering emerald that contrasts with a slightly darker tail, which gives the bird its common name. Females, while also green, have a more subdued tone with whitish underparts and a less striking tail. Juveniles resemble females but are duller overall, often with buff edges to their feathers. When observing these birds in the field, look for the characteristic narrow tail and the rapid wing beats typical of hummingbirds. In flight, the Narrow-tailed Emerald displays a distinctive silhouette with its short, straight bill and elongated tail feathers. While perched, it often sits still on a thin branch, its iridescent plumage catching the light. Confusion with similar species such as the Glittering-throated Emerald can occur, but the narrower tail and specific geographic range help distinguish the Narrow-tailed Emerald.
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Narrow-tailed Emerald Habitat and Range
Preferred Habitat
The Narrow-tailed Emerald thrives in a variety of forested environments, primarily inhabiting humid montane and lowland forests. It often frequents the edges of these forests, where sunlight encourages abundant flowering plants. This hummingbird can be found from sea level to elevations of about 2,000 meters, with a preference for dense, verdant areas offering plentiful nectar sources. Seasonal shifts in habitat use are linked to the availability of flowering plants, with some individuals moving to lower elevations during the dry season. While primarily a forest dweller, the Narrow-tailed Emerald occasionally ventures into gardens and parks in rural areas, demonstrating some adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
Geographic Range
The breeding range of the Narrow-tailed Emerald includes the northern regions of South America, specifically in countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and eastern Ecuador. It is primarily a resident species, although local altitudinal movements are common in response to the flowering cycles of plants. These movements are usually short-distance, following the availability of food rather than long migratory patterns. Population density is higher in areas where diverse flowering plants are abundant. While some populations remain stable throughout the year, others may exhibit slight seasonal shifts, particularly in regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.
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What Does the Narrow-tailed Emerald Eat?
The Narrow-tailed Emerald primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, favoring those with red and orange tubular flowers. Its diet is supplemented by small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, especially during the breeding season. This hummingbird employs a hovering technique to access nectar, using its specialized bill and tongue to extract the sweet liquid. Foraging occurs throughout the day, with peak feeding activity in the early morning and late afternoon when flowers are most abundant. The bird's ability to exploit a wide range of nectar sources allows it to adapt to seasonal changes in flower availability.
Want to attract Narrow-tailed Emeralds to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.
Narrow-tailed Emerald Behavior and Social Structure
Narrow-tailed Emeralds are solitary and territorial, especially males, which aggressively defend their feeding territories from conspecifics and other hummingbird species. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays that include aerial acrobatics and vocalizations to attract females. This species is less social outside the breeding period, rarely forming flocks. In response to predators, the Narrow-tailed Emerald exhibits swift evasive maneuvers, relying on its agility and speed. Daily activity patterns follow a diel cycle, with feeding and territorial defense primarily occurring during daylight hours.
Narrow-tailed Emerald Nesting and Reproduction
The Narrow-tailed Emerald constructs its nests in sheltered locations, often choosing the fork of a slender branch. The nest is a small cup made of plant down and spider silk, camouflaged with lichens and moss. Females lay two white eggs per clutch and are solely responsible for incubation, which lasts about 14 to 16 days. After hatching, the fledglings remain in the nest for approximately 20 to 23 days. Parental care is primarily the female's duty, as she feeds the chicks with regurgitated food. Typically, this species raises one to two broods per year, depending on environmental conditions.
Narrow-tailed Emerald Sounds and Vocalizations
The primary song of the Narrow-tailed Emerald consists of a series of high-pitched, metallic notes delivered in rapid succession. These notes form a repetitive, melodic sequence that is used during courtship and territorial displays. Aside from its song, this hummingbird produces various call notes, including sharp 'tsip' sounds, which serve as contact calls between individuals. Alarm calls are more frantic and are emitted in response to potential threats. The Narrow-tailed Emerald participates in the dawn chorus, where its song contributes to the vibrant soundscape of the forest.
Interesting Facts About the Narrow-tailed Emerald
- 1The Narrow-tailed Emerald can flap its wings up to 70 times per second, allowing it to hover with precision.
- 2This hummingbird can consume up to twice its body weight in nectar and insects each day.
- 3The Narrow-tailed Emerald's heart rate can reach over 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
- 4Despite its small size, it can travel at speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour.
- 5These birds have excellent memory, allowing them to remember which flowers they have visited.
- 6The iridescent plumage of the Narrow-tailed Emerald is not due to pigment but microscopic structures in the feathers.
- 7Narrow-tailed Emeralds can enter a state of torpor at night, reducing their metabolism to conserve energy.
Narrow-tailed Emerald Conservation Status
According to the IUCN, the Narrow-tailed Emerald is currently listed as a species of Least Concern. Its population trend is considered stable, with no major widespread threats impacting its numbers. However, habitat loss due to deforestation poses a localized threat, particularly in areas where logging and agricultural expansion occur. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forest habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices. Historically, the population has remained relatively stable, benefiting from protected areas and conservation initiatives that safeguard its natural habitat.
Attracting Narrow-tailed Emeralds to Your Feeder
The Narrow-tailed Emerald is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Narrow-tailed Emeralds regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.
