The marvelous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) is a rare and fascinating hummingbird found in limited areas of Peru. The males are known for their spectacularly long, racquet-shaped tail feathers, which play an essential role in their elaborate mating rituals.
The marvelous spatuletail gets its name from the long, racquet-shaped tail feathers of the adult males, which can measure up to 30 centimeters in length. These elongated tail feathers make up around 60% of the bird’s total body length. The females lack the long tail feathers and are colored dull green, compared to the iridescent purple and blue of the males.
This species is endemic to a small region of northwestern Peru, where it inhabits forested valleys and scrublands. Due to its limited range and specialized habitat, the marvelous spatuletail has been classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List since 2000.
Like all hummingbirds, the marvelous spatuletail feeds on nectar from flowers using its specialized long bill. It also takes small insects as an essential source of protein. The male’s spectacular tail does not actually aid in flight – in fact, it likely hinders aerial agility to some degree. However, the tail plays a crucial role in mating displays, designed to attract females.
Display Arenas
During the breeding season, male marvelous spatuletails gather in communal display arenas called leks. These leks are situated in small forest clearings near streams and waterfalls. The presence of water seems important, as the displayincludes rapid swooping over water surfaces.
Up to 18 males may gather at a single lek arena. Each male stakes out and defends a specific display perch above the stream or pool. The perches are usually low, exposed branches or rocks from which the males can initiate courtship displays for visiting females.
Lek Display
The lek display ritual of the marvelous spatuletail is elaborate and remarkable to observe. The display begins with a male perched upright on his display perch. He fans his racquet-shaped tail feathers vertically to form an eye-catching umbrella-like shape framed by the iridescent purple and blue plumage.
Display Element | Description |
---|---|
Tail fanning | Male fans tail feathers vertically while perched, forming an umbrella-like display |
Rising | Male flies rapidly upwards 3-6 meters while fanning tail |
Diving | Male swoops downwards over display arena, fanning tail |
Circling | Male circles around the display arena while fanning tail |
When females come near, the male will take flight and rise rapidly 3-6 meters in the air while keeping the tail fanned. He then executes a sharp diving swoop over the display area, often passing within centimeters of the surface of the water. This is followed by more circling flights around the arena.
The elaborate tail feathers make a humming sound as air rushes through them during the diving swoops. Females observing the display can assess a male’s health and fitness based on the symmetry and brightness of his tail feathers, as well as the speed and agility of his flight.
Mating
Typically, the male marvelous spatuletail continues these39; courtship displays until a female shows interest by perching near him. At this point, he focuses his attention on her, approaching and performing a fluttering hover display right in front of the female.
If receptive, the female will allow the male to mate with her. As with most hummingbirds, mating is very brief – just a few seconds. Once mated, the female heads off to build a small cup-shaped nest on her own. She will lay two tiny white eggs in the nest, incubating them for about 16-19 days before they hatch.
Parental Care
As with most hummingbirds, the female marvelous spatuletail provides all parental care after eggs hatch. She feeds the chicks with regurgitated food, protecting them and keeping them warm in the nest. The chicks fledge around 20-28 days after hatching.
Meanwhile, the males continue to frequent the lek arena during this time. They mav attempt to mate with additional females to maximize their reproduction for the season. Males do not participate in caring for eggs or offspring.
Conservation Status
The marvelous spatuletail is listed as endangered by the ICUN Red List, and its population is decreasing. The brilliant tail feathers made them a target for illegal trapping for many years, before they were protected. Habitat loss is also a threat, as the suitable forest and scrubland habitat is being degraded.
Current population estimates suggest there are only around 1,000 – 2,500 mature individuals left. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and community-based programs to reduce illegal poaching.
Conclusion
The elaborate and ritualized mating displays of the marvelous spatuletail highlight the beauty and complexity of animal courtship behavior. The male’s spectacular tail feathers and aerial agility have evolved specifically to attract mates. Understanding and preserving these intricate behaviors is key to protecting endangered species like the marvelous spatuletail.