Species profile
About this species
The Tyrian Metaltail is a small hummingbird native to the Andes of South America, ranging from Venezuela & Colombia south to Bolivia & Peru. The male displays a striking iridescent purple-red tail that shimmers in the light, paired with green plumage on the body, while the female is more subtly coloured with buff-spotted underparts. This species favours high-altitude shrubby habitats & is often seen hovering at flowering plants to feed on nectar.
High-altitude Andean shrublands, cloud forest edges, & paramo grasslands, typically found at elevations between 2500 & 4000 metres above sea level.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Tyrian Metaltail with us in Colombia.
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 hours shortly after sunrise offer the best light for capturing iridescent plumage. The dry season months from May to September generally provide clearer skies & more predictable weather in Andean habitats, making this the most productive period for photography.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats of this hummingbird & capture sharp detail in the iridescent tail. Position yourself near flowering shrubs where the bird regularly feeds, allowing you to anticipate its movements & pre-focuss on a bloom. Shoot during soft morning light to bring out the full iridescent colour of the tail without harsh shadows or blown highlights.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Tyrian Metaltail
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.