Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
Common name: Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
Scientific name: Cynanthus canivetii
Clades: Trochilini - Emeralds
The Wedge-tailed Sabrewing is a striking and abundant hummingbird, notable for its large size and distinct dimorphism. With a vibrant violet iridescent crown and a sleek mix of gray and green plumage, this bird is a true marvel of the avian world.
Like other hummingbirds, the Wedge-tailed Sabrewing has a diverse diet of nectar and small arthropods. However, what sets this species apart is its unique breeding behavior. These birds are lek breeders, with males establishing leks—communal display grounds—where they perform elaborate singing displays for several months. The chirping calls of the Wedge-tailed Sabrewing can go on for minutes, eventually crescendoing into a loud, complex, and variable gurgling warble that fills the forest with its melody.
Their vocalizations are incredibly diverse, with notable differences in syllabic structure within individual leks and between leks separated by several kilometers. These differences extend to variations between subspecies, making each Wedge-tailed Sabrewing's song unique. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or a casual nature lover, the enchanting song and vibrant plumage of the Wedge-tailed Sabrewing make it a delightful species to observe.
3 subspecies:
P. c. curvipennis (Curve-winged)
Distribution Eastern and southern Mexico from southwestern Tamaulipas through southeastern San Luis Potosí, south Veracruz and northeastern Puebla to northern Oaxaca.P. c. pampa (Wedge-tailed)
Distribution Yucatán Peninsula south to northern Guatemala and Belize; eastern Honduras.P. c. excellens (Long-tailed)
Distribution Endemic to a small area in southeastern Mexico centered around the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Jesús Carranza and Uxpanapa (southern Veracruz) and eastern Oaxaca.