Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii)

…a  rare and striking species of hummingbird which occurs in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Where it inhabits solely inhabits lowland forests, and is not tolerant of secondary habitats. Like most striking plumaged birds wire-crested thorntails are sexually dimorphic with lacking the long “wire” crests and “thorn” tails of males. In typical humming bird fashion wire-crested thorntails feed on nectar from flowers, but will occasionally take insects as well. 

Currently Discosura popelairii is listed as near threatened by the IUCN, as it faces accelerating threats from deforestation in the Amazon Basin. 

Classification

Animalia-Chordata-Aves-Apodiformes-Trochilidae-Discosura-D. popelairii

Image: Bill Bouton