Fork-tailed Hummingbird ( Eupetonema macroura )
- Sent by Rodrigo Girardi Santiago - 07/12/2006
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15cm
Identification: it is one of the largest hummingbirds. It is easily identified by the forked tail, reminding a pair of scissors.
Unmistakably Brazilian’s best known hummingbird, this magnificent animal is also one of the most belligerent ones. It fiercely defends its territory – usually consisting of a flowering patch – against other birds, especially the bananaquit ( Coereba flaveola ).
It sucks sweet water from feeders even if these are place in the interior of the houses, fearlessly entering the rooms.
Like other hummingbirds it feeds mostly on nectar but also on insects.
The female lays 2 or 3 eggs in a small bow-shaped nest and feeds the nestlings mainly with arthropods.
