Species profile
About this species
The Wire-crested Thorntail is a small, striking hummingbird found in the forests of South America, notably in Peru, Ecuador & Colombia. The male is distinguished by its long, wire-like crest feathers, a vivid green plumage, & a deeply forked tail that gives the species its name. Females are more subdued in colouration but share the characteristic compact body shape typical of thorntail hummingbirds.
Humid montane forests, forest edges & foothills in the eastern Andes, typically at elevations between 300m & 1200m, where the species forages among flowering understorey plants & shrubs.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Wire-crested Thorntail with us in 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 is ideal for activity & light quality. The January 2028 Peru Ultimate Hummingbirds trip coincides with the South American wet season, when flowering is abundant & hummingbird activity is at its highest, making it an excellent time to photograph this species.
Position yourself near flowering shrubs at forest edges where the species is known to feed, as thorntails favour specific nectar sources & will return repeatedly to the same blooms. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wingbeats & capture the distinctive wire crest clearly. On the Peru Ultimate Hummingbirds trip in January, visit feeding stations set up by local guides early in the morning when activity peaks & light is at its most favourable for capturing iridescent plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Wire-crested Thorntail
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.