The violet-tailed sylph is an iconic resident of the Andean cloud forests, living on the Pacific slope in Ecuador. It’s famous for the extremely long tail feathers sported by the males.
The tail is unwieldy, and only useful as a mating display. Ornithologists theorize that female sylphs think any male who can survive with such an awkward tail must be strong enough to produce healthy offspring!
Stock Image #20190522-07241089
Male Violet Tailed Sylph in Ecuador Cloud Forest was last modified: June 24th, 2020 by