Nature Special: The Marvelous Spatuletail

The Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) is an endangered hummingbird endemic to northern Peru. It is famous for the male's spectacular tail feathers, featuring two long, wire-like feathers with large, iridescent "spatules", (discs) at the end. They are used in elaborate courtship displays. Males have a blue crown, turquoise throat, and a black stripe down their white chest, while females are less colourful. And have shorter tails with smaller spatules. They inhabit cloud forest edges and scrublands, feeding on nectar from specific flowers, and are a major draw for birdwatchers, with conservation efforts focused on protecting their habitat. Photograph taken by Carlos Altamirano.