White-booted Racket-tail

Описание: The White-booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) is a distinctive Andean hummingbird found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, where it inhabits humid montane forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. It is best known for its white feather “boots” on the legs and the long, spatulate tail rackets seen in males.

Males show bright green upperparts, a compact body, and the species’ trademark elongated outer tail feathers ending in oval rackets. Females lack the rackets and have a shorter, more typical tail, along with finely spotted underparts. Both sexes have a straight, short bill suited for a wide range of flowering plants.

The species typically ranges between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, following nectar sources in understory and edge habitats. Like many small hummingbirds, it also takes small insects for protein.

Conservation: Listed as Least Concern, the White-booted Racket-tail remains widespread and locally common across the Andes, though continued protection of montane forest is important for maintaining healthy populations.

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