A vibrant Amazilia tzacatl in mid-hover with its red bill pointed forward and iridescent green feathers shimmering in natural light, with wings in motion

Amazilia tzacatl (Rufous-tailed Hummingbird)

Name: amazilia tzacatl
Address: CO

The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird endemic to the American tropics, stretching from east-central Mexico through Central America, down to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Its genus, Amazilia, is named after an Inca heroine, and the species’ epithet tzacatl is derived from Aztec mythology, referring to a warrior chief. With five recognized subspecies, this bird exhibits sexual dimorphism, as the males sport a green head and upperparts with a chestnut-brown tail, while the females have a paler gray lower breast.

The species is known for its melodic “varied, high, thin, squeaky chirping” and is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. Photographed in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

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Vibrant rufous-tailed hummingbird perched alertly on a thin bare branch with fluffed green breast feathers and a curved red-and-black beak

Side view of a perched Rufous-tailed Hummingbird showcasing metallic green feathers, rufous tail, and bright red beak with soft forest bokeh in the background

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird resting on a thick, dark branch, captured in a three-quarter view showing glossy green head, bronze wings, and reddish tail

Side view of a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird perched quietly, with its green upper body, red beak, and chestnut tail feathers in sharp detail

Amazilia tzacatl fluffing his colorful golden feathers

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird perched on a mossy branch, displaying a bright green head, red bill with black tip, and rusty tail feathers against a blurred jungle background

Rufous-tailed hummingbird with shimmering green plumage and reddish tail feathers holds its wings open while perching on a mossy branch in a tropical setting

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird sitting on a bare twig, with its green throat scales and rounded belly feathers lit by soft natural light

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird sits alertly on a high branch, its vibrant green body and rusty tail feathers glowing in sunlight with a blurred green canopy behind

Amazilia tzacatl struck by sunset light exposing bright feather colors

Amazilia tzacatl with a variety of different colors

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird in a frontal pose with its beak pointed slightly upward, showcasing a dense patch of emerald green feathers on its chest

Amazilia tzacatl with a long orange beak in sunlight

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird perched on a lichen-covered branch, with bright green feathers, red-tipped beak, and blurred yellow-green foliage behind

Amazilia tzacatl in sunlight exposing his vibrant colors

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird with emerald green feathers and a red-orange beak resting on a branch surrounded by leafy greenery

Rufous-tailed hummingbird resting on a branch with its iridescent green back and layered red-orange tail feathers in full view from behind

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird facing forward on a curved branch, with its iridescent green chest and symmetrical posture centered in the frame

Bright green hummingbird with a vivid red bill and rusty red tail perched diagonally on a thin branch amid tropical foliage

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird resting on a narrow branch, showing off its metallic green back and rusty red tail feathers with forest vegetation in the background

A Rufous-tailed Hummingbird resting on a branch with bright green gorget feathers and rusty undertail, captured in strong sunlight