Red-billed streamertail

Red-billed streamertail
Name	Red-billed streamertail
Status	LC
Status system	IUCN3.1
Genus	Trochilus
Species	polytmus
Authority	Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms	*Trochilus forficatus Linnaeus, 1766

Red-billed streamertail. The red-billed streamertail is a species of hummingbird endemic to the island of Jamaica. It is the national bird of Jamaica and is renowned for the male's extraordinarily long, flowing tail feathers, which can be twice the length of its body. This striking bird plays a significant role in the ecology of its native Caribbean habitats and holds a prominent place in the culture and identity of the Jamaican people.

Description and identification

The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with the adult male being unmistakable. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of elongated, black central tail feathers, or streamers, which can measure up to 17-18 centimeters, dramatically extending beyond the shorter outer rectrices. The male's plumage is iridescent emerald green overall, with a deeply forked black tail and the namesake bright red bill tipped in black. The female lacks the elongated streamers and is mostly green above and greyish-white below, with a dark bill and white-tipped outer tail feathers. Both sexes share the characteristic hummingbird morphology, including a compact body, short legs, and long, specialized bills adapted for feeding on nectar. The species is most similar to its congener, the Black-billed streamertail (*Trochilus scitulus*), which is restricted to eastern Jamaica and differs primarily in bill color.

Distribution and habitat

This hummingbird is found throughout most of Jamaica, though it is largely replaced in the far east of the island, such as the Portland and St. Thomas parishes, by the Black-billed streamertail. It inhabits a wide variety of wooded and flowering habitats, from sea level into the mountains. Common environments include gardens, forest edges, secondary growth, coffee plantations, and montane forests, particularly where its preferred food plants are abundant. It is less common in dense, unbroken rainforest interiors. The species is a permanent resident and does not undertake migratory movements.

Behavior and ecology

The red-billed streamertail is highly territorial and aggressive, especially males defending prime feeding areas. It is diurnal and spends a significant portion of its day in flight, utilizing a unique hummingbird flight mechanics that allows for hovering, backward flight, and rapid directional changes. Its vocalizations include sharp, metallic chips and chatters used in communication and territorial disputes. A key ecological role is as a pollinator for numerous native and introduced flowering plants, forming mutualistic relationships with species like the Hibiscus and various Heliconia. It interacts with other nectarivores, such as the Jamaican mango (*Anthracothorax mango*), and is preyed upon by hawks and other avian predators.

Diet and foraging

Its diet is primarily nectar from a wide array of flowering plants, including both native species like those in the Rubiaceae family and introduced ornamentals. It uses its long, extensible tongue to lap nectar while hovering in front of blossoms. To meet its high metabolic demands, it also consumes small arthropods such as spiders and insects, which provide essential proteins and other nutrients. This insectivory is particularly important during the breeding season. Foraging techniques include hawking for insects in flight and gleaning them from foliage and spider webs.

Reproduction and life cycle

The breeding season typically coincides with the peak of rainfall and flowering, often from March to July. The female alone constructs a small, cup-shaped nest from plant down, lichen, and spider silk, camouflaging it on a thin, often downward-sloping branch. She lays two tiny white eggs and undertakes all incubation and brooding duties over a period of approximately 17-19 days. The chicks are altricial, hatching blind and nearly featherless, and are fed a regurgitated mixture of nectar and insects by the female. They fledge after about 20-22 days. The species is not known to be a host for brood parasites like the shiny cowbird (*Molothrus bonariensis*), which is present in Jamaica.

Relationship with humans

The red-billed streamertail is deeply embedded in Jamaican culture, celebrated as the national bird and often referred to locally as the "doctor bird." It features prominently in Jamaican art, literature, music, and folklore, with legends attributing healing powers to the bird. It is a major attraction for ecotourism and birdwatching, drawing enthusiasts to locations like the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary near Montego Bay. While currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, potential threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and development, as well as the impacts of climate change on flowering cycles. It is protected under Jamaican law and benefits from the conservation efforts of organizations like the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

Category:Trochilus Category:Birds of Jamaica Category:National symbols of Jamaica Category:Birds described in 1758 Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus