Image via Macaulay Library
Slender Sheartail
- Scientific name
- Doricha enicura
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Shrubland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Slender Sheartail, Doricha enicura, is a hummingbird species native to the highlands of Central America, primarily inhabiting regions of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Taxonomically described in the 19th century, it was categorized as part of the Trochilidae family, characterized by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude pine-oak forests. Its distinct morphological traits, particularly the elongated, forked tail of the male, evolved as a signature feature for flight maneuverability and specific mating displays within its cloud forest habitat.
The species is highly specialized, and its design reflects an evolutionary process aimed at efficiency in nectar foraging. The pointed wing shape allows for high-velocity hovering and rapid directional changes, which are essential for navigating the dense vegetation of its range. While it remains a subject of study for ornithologists interested in biodiversity in neotropical montane ecosystems, it is not an object of human design or manufacturing, but rather a product of biological specialization that has been documented by naturalists since the Victorian era.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Slender Sheartail
Slender Sheartail is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Slender Sheartail on collecto.rs?
Slender Sheartail doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Slender Sheartail?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Slender Sheartail catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Slender Sheartail is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
