Introduction
The Narrow-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon stenurus) is a small hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It occurs mainly in the northern Andes of Colombia and Venezuela, where it uses humid montane habitats, forest edges and secondary vegetation. Its narrow, pointed tail and metallic green plumage are characteristic features.
Physical Description
The Narrow-tailed Emerald is a small hummingbird, measuring about 7.6–9 cm in length and weighing approximately 3–3.5 g. The male is predominantly brilliant metallic green, with shining green upperparts and iridescent green underparts. Its dark green tail is forked and unusually narrow, with pointed outer feathers that give the species its common name.
The female is less brightly coloured. She is green above and whitish or pale grey below, with a dusky face and white-tipped outer tail feathers. The bill is short, straight and black in the male, while the female may have a slightly more curved bill. Immature birds are likely to appear duller than adults, although detailed age-related plumage information is limited.
Range and Habitat
The species is found in the northern Andes of Colombia and Venezuela. In Colombia, it is associated particularly with the Eastern Cordillera and areas near the Venezuelan border. In Venezuela, its range includes the western Andes and parts of the coastal mountain system.
The Narrow-tailed Emerald is not considered migratory. It occupies humid montane forest, forest borders, shrubland, secondary growth and other disturbed or regenerating habitats. It has been recorded mainly at middle and higher elevations, broadly around 1,000–3,000 metres, although the exact elevational range varies across its distribution.
Taxonomic treatments recognise two subspecies, C. s. stenurus and C. s. ignotus. The limits and relationships of some populations have been discussed in ornithological literature, so geographic variation should be treated cautiously.
Where to See This Species
Sierra Nevada National Park, Mérida State, Venezuela
Narrow-tailed Emerald is included on the bird checklist for Sierra Nevada National Park. The park’s Andean forests, woodland edges and montane vegetation provide suitable habitat, particularly at elevations below the highest páramo zones. Look for it around flowering shrubs and forest margins rather than in the most exposed high-altitude areas.
Nearby accommodation: Mérida and the nearby settlements of Tabay and Mucuchíes provide hotels, guest houses, lodges and self-catering accommodation for visits to the park.
Dinira National Park, Lara and Trujillo states, Venezuela
A published survey of Dinira National Park recorded Narrow-tailed Emerald among the park’s hummingbird fauna. The species is most likely to be encountered in montane forest, clearings, shrubland and other areas with flowering plants. Local conditions and access can vary, so visitors should confirm current park arrangements before travelling.
Nearby accommodation: Trujillo and Carache are practical gateway settlements, with local guest houses and small hotels available in the wider area.
Parque Belmira, Usaquén, Bogotá, Colombia
A photographed record documents Narrow-tailed Emerald at Parque Belmira in Bogotá at approximately 2,561 metres. This is an urban record rather than evidence of a consistently reliable birding site, but the park provides a publicly accessible opportunity to look for the species in planted vegetation and nearby green spaces.
Nearby accommodation: Bogotá offers a wide range of hotels, guest houses, serviced apartments and other accommodation, including options in Usaquén and the city’s northern districts.
Behaviour and Diet
Like other hummingbirds, the Narrow-tailed Emerald feeds mainly on flower nectar and can hover while taking food from blossoms. It also consumes small insects and spiders, which provide protein and other nutrients, particularly during periods of energetic demand.
Individuals may make rapid flights between flowers and perches, often working through shrubs, forest edges and secondary vegetation. The species is generally encountered singly, although several birds may gather temporarily where flowering plants are abundant. Its calls are poorly documented but are described as short, high-pitched notes.
Detailed information about courtship, nesting dates and parental care is limited. As in other hummingbirds, the female is expected to build the nest, incubate the eggs and care for the young, but species-specific breeding details should not be assumed without supporting observations.
Identification Tips
- Look for a small, active hummingbird with predominantly metallic green plumage.
- The narrow, pointed, dark green tail is the most distinctive feature, especially in the male.
- Males are brighter and more uniformly green than females.
- Females are paler below and show white tips on the outer tail feathers.
- Check the habitat and elevation carefully. Humid Andean forest edges, shrubland and secondary growth within the northern Andean range are more useful clues than colour alone.
- Female Narrow-tailed Emeralds may resemble females of other Chlorostilbon species. Tail shape, elevation, geographic range and the presence or absence of contrasting facial or underpart markings should all be considered together.
Conservation Status
The Narrow-tailed Emerald is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. BirdLife International reports a stable population trend and a broad overall range, although the species’ population size has not been quantified.
Habitat loss and degradation remain potential local threats, particularly where montane forest is cleared for agriculture, development or other land uses. Maintaining forest remnants, protecting secondary habitats and conserving flowering vegetation can help retain feeding and nesting opportunities. Local conservation assessments may identify greater concern in particular parts of the species’ range than the global assessment indicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the Narrow-tailed Emerald be found?
It occurs mainly in the northern Andes of Colombia and Venezuela, including parts of the Eastern Cordillera, the Venezuelan Andes and the coastal mountain system.
What habitat does the Narrow-tailed Emerald use?
It uses humid montane forest, forest edges, shrubland, secondary growth and disturbed vegetation with suitable flowering plants.
How large is the Narrow-tailed Emerald?
It is about 7.6–9 cm long and weighs approximately 3–3.5 g.
How can the Narrow-tailed Emerald be identified?
The male is a small metallic green hummingbird with a dark, narrow, pointed and slightly forked tail. Females are paler below and have white-tipped outer tail feathers.
What does the Narrow-tailed Emerald eat?
Its diet consists mainly of flower nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders.
Is the Narrow-tailed Emerald endangered?
No. It is currently classified as Least Concern globally, although habitat loss and degradation may affect local populations.
References
- BirdLife International
- Instituto Nacional de Parques, Venezuela
- EcoRegistros
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