









About the Short-tailed Emerald
The short-tailed emerald is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela. It has also been called Poortman's emerald hummingbird.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The male short-tailed emerald is 6.9 to 8.5 cm (2.7 to 3.3 in) long and females 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 in). The species weighs between 3 and 4 g (0.11 and 0.14 oz). Both sexes of both subspecies have a straight black bill. Males of the nominate subspecies have an iridescent green forehead and bronzy green crown, upperparts, and uppertail coverts. Their underparts are brilliant glittery green. Their tail is short, forked, and iridescent bronze green. Nominate females have a dull green forehead and a dull bronzy green crown, upperparts, and uppertail coverts. Their underparts are gray. Voice: What is thought to be the short-tailed emerald's song is "a long series of high-pitched tseep notes" that is thought to be sung only in the wet season. It also makes "repeated short tsip and longer downslurred plaintive tsew...tsew.." calls.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Short-tailed Emerald lives
When to see the Short-tailed Emerald
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Coppery EmeraldChlorostilbon russatusThe male coppery emerald is 8 to 8.5 cm (3.1 to 3.3 in) long and females 7 to 7.5 cm (2.8 to 3.0 in).
Green-tailed EmeraldChlorostilbon aliceThe male green-tailed emerald is 7.5 to 8.5 cm (3.0 to 3.3 in) long and females 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 in).
Narrow-tailed EmeraldChlorostilbon stenurusThe male narrow-tailed emerald is 8.5 to 9 cm (3.3 to 3.5 in) long and females 7.5 to 8 cm (3.0 to 3.1 in).
Learn the Short-tailed Emerald in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.