Birds Active during the day

Fork-tailed Woodnymph

Thalurania furcata

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

With its shimmering emerald throat and deep violet plumage, the Fork-tailed Woodnymph is a jewel of the South American forest. This energetic hummingbird is a frequent visitor to woodland edges and tropical gardens, known for its iconic deeply forked tail.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 9.5–13 cm (3.7–5.1 in); Wingspan: ~12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in); Weight: 3.5–6 g (0.12–0.21 oz)

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Colors

Males feature a shimmering emerald green throat and crown with deep violet-purple on the belly and back; females are bronzy-green above with pale grayish-white underparts.

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Key Features

Deeply forked, blue-black tail in males
Vibrant violet-purple patches on the back and belly
Glistening emerald green throat (gorget)
Decurved black bill
Small white spot behind the eye

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primary diet consists of floral nectar from tubular flowers (especially Bromeliads and Heliconias) supplemented by small insects and spiders caught mid-air.

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Habitat Humid lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, shaded plantations, and suburban gardens with ample cover.

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Where Does the Fork-tailed Woodnymph Live?

This stunning hummingbird is native to the vast tropical regions of South America, boasting one of the most extensive distributions of any woodnymph species. It is found in nearly every country on the continent, with core populations spanning the entire Amazon Basin, the Guianas, and the lush foothills of the Andes. While it is a staple of the Brazilian rainforests and the diverse woodlands of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, it is notably absent from the drier landscapes of Chile and Uruguay.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

11 Countries

13.1M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

BR Brazil CO Colombia PE Peru VE Venezuela EC Ecuador BO Bolivia GY Guyana SR Suriname French Guiana PY Paraguay AR Argentina

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Fork-tailed Woodnymph is a spirited and territorial hummingbird known for its bold personality. While they are often found in the lower to middle layers of the forest canopy, they frequently descend to forest edges and clearings to feed. They are known as 'trap-liners,' meaning they follow a regular, repeatable route between nectar-rich flowers throughout the day, ensuring a steady supply of fuel.

Despite their small size, these birds can be fiercely protective of high-quality food sources. Males are particularly aggressive, often performing steep dives and vocalizing sharp chirps to chase away competing hummingbirds or even larger bird species from their preferred blossoms. In a backyard or garden setting, they are inquisitive and may hover near observers to investigate new objects or feeders.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Fork-tailed Woodnymph requires a high-speed camera setup because of their rapid wingbeats and erratic, darting movements. To get the best results, position your AI-powered camera near bright, tubular flowers such as Hibiscus, Heliconia, or Salvia. Since these birds are low-to-midstory dwellers, mount your camera between 3 and 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) off the ground, angled slightly upward to capture the brilliant iridescence of the male's violet belly and green throat, which are best seen from a lower perspective.

If using a feeder to attract them, choose one with a perch. While woodnymphs are masters of hovering, they often prefer to land briefly while drinking, which gives your camera's AI more time to lock focus and capture a crisp image. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or a high-frame-rate video setting (at least 60fps) to avoid motion blur. Early morning light is the 'golden hour' for woodnymphs; the low-angle sunlight hits their structural feathers perfectly, making the metallic violet and emerald colors pop without the harsh shadows of midday.

For the most natural-looking shots, avoid using red dye in your feeder water and instead use a simple 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio. Ensure the camera is placed in a shaded or semi-shaded area near the edge of a garden or forest line. These birds are most comfortable when they have nearby cover—like a dense shrub or tree—where they can retreat to preen their feathers or scan the area for rival hummingbirds between feeding sessions. If you are in a particularly hot region, place a misting attachment near their favorite flowers; woodnymphs love to fly through the mist to bathe, providing an excellent opportunity for unique action shots.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Fork-tailed Woodnymph.

Violet-capped Woodnymph

The male has a distinct violet-blue crown, whereas the Fork-tailed Woodnymph typically has a glistening green crown.

Violet-bellied Hummingbird

Noticeably smaller with a much shorter, less forked tail and more extensive violet coverage on the male's throat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Fork-tailed Woodnymphs are most active during the early morning hours shortly after sunrise and again in the late afternoon before dusk. During these times, they are busy replenishing their energy levels by visiting high-nectar flowers.

The best way to attract them is by planting native nectar-producing plants like Heliconia, Bromeliads, or Fuchsia. They are also easily drawn to hummingbird feeders filled with a clear sugar-water solution, especially if the feeders are placed near natural forest edges.

Their diet primarily consists of nectar from flowers, which provides the high sugar content needed for energy. They also supplement this with protein by catching small flies, gnats, and spiders mid-air or picking them off leaves.

Yes, provided there is sufficient garden vegetation and a nearby forest patch. They are highly adaptable and frequently move into suburban gardens, shaded coffee plantations, and urban parks across South America.

The male is distinguished by his deeply forked tail and the specific distribution of violet on his belly and back. The female's pale gray underparts and slightly notched tail with white outer tips are key identifiers in regions where other similar species might overlap.

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