Short-tailed Emerald
Common name: Short-tailed Emerald
Scientific name: Chlorostilbon poortmani
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The Short-tailed Emerald is a species of hummingbird endemic to the Chocó region of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. This tiny hummingbird typically measures around 8-9 cm long and weighs approximately 3-4 grams. The male Short-tailed Emerald is characterized by its iridescent green plumage on the upperparts, a glittering green throat, and a bright blue tail with white tips. In contrast, the female is slightly duller in color with a white throat and white-tipped black tail feathers.
These hummingbirds inhabit humid forests, forest edges, and overgrown plantations, feeding on nectar from various flowering plants. Their diet also includes small insects and spiders. The Short-tailed Emerald is a solitary bird and is often seen defending its feeding territory vigorously against other hummingbirds and even larger birds.
2 subspecies
C. p. euchloris
Distribution: Endemic to the East Andes of Colombia, on the western slope south to Huila, and on the eastern slope in Santander.C. p. poortmani
Distribution: Andes in western Venezuela (Mérida and Táchira) and along the eastern slope of the East Andes in Colombia, from Boyacá to western Meta.
