Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii

Small, compact hummingbird found on the east slope of Andes from central Colombia to central Peru. Male is unmistakable; look for long pointed tail, wirelike crest, short straight bill, and white band across the rump. Female is less spectacular, but still has the obvious white rump band and a white mustache patch. Occurs in the foothills from around 600 to 1,600 m, generally at higher elevations than the very similar Black-bellied Thorntail. Visits feeders, but also can be seen at flowering shrubs (especially purple Verbena) and trees.