Endemic to Jamaica, the red-billed streamertail is also that Caribbean nation's national bird and one of its most amazing hummingbirds with its unmistakable plumage. While occasionally considered the same species as the closely related black-billed streamertail, there is still some debate as to whether or not each species is separate.
Common Name:
Red-Billed Streamertail, God Bird, Doctorbird, Scissors Tail, Longtail Hummingbird, Western Streamertail
Scientific Name:
Trochilus polytmus
Appearance:
- Bill: Red with black tip, long, slight curve down
- Size: 5 inches long with 6.5-inch wingspan, long tail
- Colors: Black, green, gray, red, iridescent, white
- Markings: Dimorphic species. Males are overall iridescent green with a black head and black iridescence on the throat. There is a crest at the nape and paler green color on the back. Black wings and tail are edged in green, and the two outermost feathers grow to 7-inch streamers with scalloped edges. Females have green upperparts with a gray wash on the head and gray auriculars. Underparts are white with dark green on the flanks and slight spotting on the side of the throat. Females lack the tail streamers but have white tips on the outer tail feathers.
Foods:
Nectar, insects (See: Nectivorous)
Habitat and Migration:
These hummingbirds are endemic to Jamaica and can be found in gardens, forests, parks, plantations and wherever abundant flowers are present. They are relatively common throughout the island but are lacking along the northeastern coast, and are generally more rare in the east overall. They do not migrate.
Vocalizations:
Red-billed streamertails have a sharp, loud, repetitive teeet-teeet or chink-chink call often used when they are distressed or agitated. The males' long tail streamers have a whining hum from the scalloped edging in flight.
Behavior:
These hummingbirds glean insects from plants and spider webs, and like many hummingbirds, will aggressively protect preferred feeding areas. In courtship, the male will wave his streamers to catch the attention of females and to advertise his territorial claims.
Reproduction:
Female red-billed streamertails are single parents after mating. They will incubate a brood of two eggs for 15-20 days, and will care for the altricial young for an additional 18-20 days after hatching. Because of Jamaica's temperate climate, breeding can occur at any time of year but is most common from April through June. Red-billed streamertails can produce 1-3 broods per year.
Attracting Red-Billed Streamertails:
In Jamaica, these hummingbirds eagerly visit hummingbird feeders and are easily attracted to nectar-bearing flowers and plants. Avoiding heavy insecticide use can also protect insects as an important food source for red-billed streamertails.
Similar Birds:
- Black-Billed Streamertail (Trochilus scitulus)
Photo – Red-Billed Streamertail – Male © Paul B. Jones
Photo – Red-Billed Streamertail – Female © Paul B. Jones
Photos Courtesy travellingbirder.
