The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer is a fascinating medium-sized hummingbird found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

Its name comes from the unique bronze color of its tail feathers and vibrant green plumage, which makes it shine like a gem in the sunlight.

As a member of the hummingbird family, this bird is admired for its appearance, behavior, and ecological role.

1. Size and Appearance

The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer is medium-sized, typically about 10 to 12 centimeters long and weighing between 6 and 7 grams. Its most notable feature is the bronze-colored tail feathers, which give it a metallic sheen.

The males have bright green feathers, including a shimmering green chest and abdomen, while females are more subdued, with light gray or olive-green tones. During the breeding season, males become especially striking, using their vivid feathers to attract females and showcase their health and vitality.

In addition to its distinctive tail, the Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer’s long, straight bill is well adapted for feeding on nectar from flowers. The structure of their bill allows them to reach deep into blooms to gather nectar, regardless of the flower’s shape. This trait makes them important pollinators in the rainforest.

2. Habitat and Distribution

These hummingbirds primarily live in the lowland rainforests of Central and South America, including countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Costa Rica.

They favor the edges of humid tropical forests, secondary-growth forests, and areas close to water. While they can adapt to some human-disturbed areas, they prefer dense, rich vegetation.

Bronze-tailed Plumeleteers are generally non-migratory, staying in one area throughout the year. They rely on different blooming plants at various times to maintain a stable food supply. However, their habitat is threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion, reducing the size of the rainforest and impacting their living conditions.

3. Diet

Like most hummingbirds, the Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer feeds primarily on nectar. Their high metabolism requires them to feed frequently, consuming large amounts of energy to sustain their rapid wing beats and activities.

Their wings can beat 50 to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in place while feeding on nectar. In addition to nectar, they also catch small insects, which provide vital protein, especially during the breeding season.

4. Breeding Habits

The breeding season of the Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer generally follows the blooming cycles of plants. In Central America, they breed during the rainy season when flowers are abundant, ensuring a steady food supply.

Females build small, hidden nests on branches or in shrubs, often made from plant fibers, moss, and spider webs. The nests are delicate and help protect the young from predators.

The female typically lays two eggs per clutch and is solely responsible for incubation and caring for the chicks. The incubation period lasts about 15 to 20 days, and the chicks begin to attempt flying after around three weeks. During this time, the mother provides nectar and insects to ensure the young birds get the nutrition they need.

5. Ecological Importance

The Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer not only attracts attention with its stunning appearance but also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as a key pollinator in tropical rainforests.

Although their population is relatively stable, ongoing environmental threats, particularly deforestation, mean that protecting their habitat is vital. Only through conservation efforts can we ensure that these beautiful green gems continue to sparkle in the natural world for generations to come.