Species profile
About this species
The Long-tailed Sylph is a striking hummingbird found in the Andes of South America, known for the male's extraordinarily long iridescent blue-green tail feathers that can exceed twice the length of its body. The male displays a vivid combination of green plumage & a glittering violet-blue crown, making it one of the most visually spectacular hummingbirds in its range. Females are considerably plainer, with shorter tails & buff-coloured underparts.
Cloud forests & forest edges along the Andean slopes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador & Peru, typically at elevations between 1500 & 2800 metres, where flowering plants are abundant.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Long-tailed Sylph with us in Colombia & Peru.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning provides the best light & the birds are most active at feeding sites; the dry season between June & September typically offers clearer skies & more predictable conditions in the Andean cloud forests.
Position yourself near flowering plants such as bromeliads & heliconias where the species regularly feeds, using a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & flowing tail. Use a telephoto lens of 300-500mm to allow sufficient working distance without disturbing the bird's natural behaviour. A flash diffuser or fill flash can help reveal the iridescent colours of the plumage, which shift dramatically depending on the angle of light.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Long-tailed Sylph
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.