Image via Macaulay Library
Great Sapphirewing
- Scientific name
- Pterophanes cyanopterus
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Great Sapphirewing, Pterophanes cyanopterus, was formally described by the naturalist Louis Fraser in 1840. Its name reflects its striking appearance, specifically the vivid, shimmering blue plumage of the wings that contrasts against its otherwise subtle, dusky body coloration. It is primarily found within the high-altitude cloud forests of the Andes, spanning regions from Colombia to Bolivia.
The physical characteristics of the species, notably its uniquely pointed wings and deeply forked tail, are evolutionary adaptations optimized for navigating the dense, mist-heavy canopy of its habitat. Ornithologists often highlight this bird for its unusually slow, deliberate wingbeats compared to other hummingbirds, a trait that makes it a distinct subject of study regarding energy conservation in extreme alpine environments.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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About Great Sapphirewing
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