Pale-tailed Barbthroat

Common name: Pale-tailed Barbthroat
Scientific name: Threnetes leucurus
Clades: Phaethornithinae - Hermits

The Pale-tailed Barbthroat is 10 to 12.2 cm (3.9 to 4.8 in) long. Males weigh 4 to 7 g (0.14 to 0.25 oz) and females 4 to 6.5 g (0.14 to 0.23 oz).

Pale-tailed Barbthroats are widespread throughout Amazonia, but they are typically local and uncommon throughout most of their range, which stretches from the Guianas to northern Bolivia. Typically found in lowlands and foothills, it frequents a wide range of forested habitats. Sooty Barbthroats (Threnetes niger) are sometimes considered part of the current species, although five subspecies have been described. The most common subspecies are characterized by pale malar streaks, rufous patches at the throat base, and pale tail sides. Most subspecies have predominantly green upperparts. Males have a fairly long, almost straight bill, while females have a slightly decurved one.

4 subspecies:

1. T. l. leucurus
   Distribution S and E Venezuela to Guyana and Suriname S through Amazonian Brazil to N Bolivia; rare in French Guiana.

2. T. l cervinicauda
   Distribution E Colombia S to NE Peru and adjacent W Amazonian Brazil.

3. T. l rufigastra
   Distribution CE Peru (S of R Marañón) to N Bolivia (Beni).

4. T. l medianus
   Distribution NE Brazil S of Amazon (Pará).