Introduction
The Red-tailed Comet (Sappho sparganurus) is a distinctive hummingbird of the Andes and adjacent mountain ranges in Bolivia and Argentina. It is recognised by its shimmering green plumage and unusually long, red to orange tail, especially in adult males. The species occurs in natural montane habitats as well as some gardens, parks and cultivated areas where flowering plants are available.
Physical Description
The Red-tailed Comet is a medium-sized hummingbird with a strongly elongated, forked tail. Adult males may reach approximately 22 centimetres in total length, largely because of the tail, while females are usually about 15 centimetres long.
The adult male has a green to bronze-green head and underparts, a brilliant green-gold throat, and a reddish or orange-red back and rump. The long tail is richly coloured, often appearing red, orange or golden in bright light, with darker tips. The wings are dusky brown.
Females are smaller and less brightly coloured. They have greenish or bronze upperparts, a pale underside marked with fine green spotting, and a much shorter tail. Immature males resemble females at first and gradually develop the adult male’s brighter throat, back and elongated tail.
Range and Habitat
The Red-tailed Comet is found mainly in Bolivia and Argentina, from the Andean valleys and uplands of Bolivia south through north-western and central Argentina. It is associated with dry to semi-humid montane scrub, open woodland, Polylepis woodland, bushy puna slopes, inter-Andean valleys and the edges of dry forests. It may also visit parks, gardens and cultivated areas in mountain settlements.
The species is generally encountered from the lower mountain valleys to elevations around 3,000 metres, although local records may extend higher or lower. Some populations appear to make seasonal or altitudinal movements, descending to lower elevations during the cooler months. Plumage colour varies geographically, with some birds showing more red tail feathers and others more golden or orange tones.
Where to See This Species
Parque Provincial Potrero de Yala, Jujuy, Argentina
A Red-tailed Comet has been recorded in Parque Provincial Potrero de Yala at about 1,959 metres above sea level. The park’s montane vegetation, wooded valleys and flowering plants provide suitable habitat, particularly along forest edges and around open scrub. Local conditions and seasonal flowering can influence detectability.
Nearby accommodation: Yala and San Salvador de Jujuy provide practical bases with hotels, guest houses, cabins and other visitor accommodation.
Parque Nacional Los Cardones, Salta, Argentina
The Red-tailed Comet is documented among the birdlife of Parque Nacional Los Cardones. The park’s high-elevation valleys, dry montane scrub, woodland patches and stands of flowering columnar cacti offer appropriate feeding habitat. Look around flowering plants, open slopes and sheltered woodland edges, especially during periods of peak floral activity.
Nearby accommodation: Payogasta has basic accommodation and food services, while Cachi offers a wider choice of hosterías, hostels, cabins, family guest houses and campsites.
Parque Nacional Tunari, Cochabamba, Bolivia
The species has been recorded in Parque Nacional Tunari, where dry Andean scrub, puna grassland slopes and woodland habitats occur across a broad elevational range. It is most likely to be found around flowering shrubs and other nectar-producing plants, including suitable habitat near accessible mountain roads and trails.
Nearby accommodation: Cochabamba is the main practical base, with hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation, while smaller settlements on the mountain approaches offer more limited lodging.
Behaviour and Diet
The Red-tailed Comet feeds mainly on nectar from flowering plants. Its long bill and extensible tongue allow it to reach into tubular or deep flowers. It also takes small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, particularly during the breeding season.
It usually feeds at low to medium heights but may forage higher on flowering shrubs, cacti and trees. Males can defend productive feeding areas and may chase other hummingbirds or intruders. Their rapid flight, hovering ability and long tail are especially conspicuous during territorial encounters and courtship displays.
Breeding takes place during periods when food is plentiful, with timing varying across the species’ range. The female builds a small cup-shaped nest using plant fibres, moss, lichen, soft material and spider webbing. Nests may be attached to branches, roots, rock ledges, crevices or earthen banks. Two white eggs are usually laid, and the female is responsible for incubation and care of the young.
Identification Tips
- Look for a hummingbird with a remarkably long, deeply forked red, orange or golden tail.
- Adult males show a green-gold throat and green underparts, often combined with a reddish back or rump.
- Females are paler below, with fine green spotting and a much shorter tail, but they still retain a noticeable reddish or bronze tail.
- The tail may appear darker or less colourful in poor light, so the combination of shape, length and rapid hovering flight is important.
- In dry Andean habitats, check flowering cacti, shrubs, tree tobacco and woodland edges.
- The species is generally distinctive. The unusually elongated tail helps separate it from other hummingbirds likely to occur in the same mountain habitats.
Conservation Status
The Red-tailed Comet is currently assessed as Least Concern. It has a broad distribution and occurs in a range of natural, semi-natural and modified habitats. A precise global population estimate is not available, and local abundance can vary considerably.
Potential pressures include the loss and fragmentation of montane scrub and woodland, changes in flowering plant communities, intensive land use and climate-related changes to rainfall, temperature and seasonal food availability. Protecting native vegetation, maintaining flowering resources and conserving habitat within mountain reserves can benefit this species and other high-Andean pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Red-tailed Comet live?
It occurs mainly in Bolivia and Argentina, inhabiting Andean valleys, dry montane scrub, open woodland, puna slopes, Polylepis woodland, forest edges, parks and gardens.
How large is a Red-tailed Comet?
Adult males can reach about 22 centimetres in total length, while females are generally around 15 centimetres. Much of the difference is due to the male’s exceptionally long tail.
What does the Red-tailed Comet eat?
Its diet consists mainly of nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders. It visits flowering shrubs, cacti, trees and garden plants.
How can you identify a male Red-tailed Comet?
The adult male has a green-gold throat, green underparts, a reddish back or rump and a long, forked red to orange tail with darker tips.
Is the Red-tailed Comet migratory?
It is not considered a long-distance migrant, but some populations make seasonal or altitudinal movements. Birds may descend to lower elevations during the cooler months.
Is the Red-tailed Comet endangered?
No. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern, although local populations may be affected by habitat loss and changes in the availability of flowering plants.
References
- BirdLife International
- SIB, Parques Nacionales, Argentina
- Birds of Bolivia
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