This year (2025), we were able to observe and record the tail molting of Marvelous Spatuletail, including photographic evidence.
Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)
The Marvelous Spatuletail is one of the most iconic birds in Peru, because of its uniqueness and beauty, as well as the interest in observing it by birdwatchers and nature lovers from around the world. According to Puhakka, Salo, and Sääksjärvi (2011), it is the most expected species to see and photograph in Peru. In addition, it is endangered, mainly due to habitat loss from agricultural and livestock growth (IUCN Red List, 2022).
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Recording the molting of tail feathers of Marvelous Spatuletail
This year (2025), we have recorded this species in various locations and observation sites, one of which is the Spoonbill Hummingbird Refuge in Cocachimba, Amazonas region, where we were able to record the moulting of tail feathers in an adult individual.
According to previous monitoring, tail feather molting occurs between June and August, which we were able to corroborate on this occasion by recording the molting of an individual between the last days of July and the first days of August. With the support of site administrators, during the first week of July, we recorded this individual with its tail feathers complete, and in the first week of August, it was already without feathers, as can be seen in the photographs below.
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Tours to observe Marvelous Spatuletail
- Hummingbird route of northern Peru
- Endemic birds of northern Peru (12D/11N)
- Endemic birds of northern Peru (20D/19N)
Bibliography
eBird (s.f.). Marvelous Spatuletail. https://ebird.org/species/marspa1
IUCN Red List (2022). Marvelous Spatuletail. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22688130/93183168#bibliography
PromPeru (2022). Colibrí cola de espátula, el ave más hermosa del mundo, endémica del Perú. https://www.peru.travel/es/masperu/colibri-cola-de-espatula-el-ave-mas-hermosa-del-mundo-endemica-del-peru
Puhakka L., Salo M., Sääksjärvi, IE. (2011) Bird Diversity, Birdwatching Tourism and Conservation in Peru: A Geographic Analysis. PLoS ONE 6(11): e26786. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0026786
