Red-Billed Streamertail

So yesterday we learned about the National Bird of Singapore, a Sunbird that has many characteristics of the New World Hummingbirds. So today let's learn about a Hummingbird that also happens to have a National Bird designation!

Meet the Red-Billed Streamertail, also known as the Doctor Bird. It is endemic to the island of Jamaica, and is the country's National Bird. They are even found on stamps!

Female

Male Trochilus polytmus

As a Hummingbird, the Streamertails are small little guys. The males' tail feathers are actually longer than the rest of their bodies! As with many birds, males and females have different appearances. Males have the name-inspiring tails, red bills, and bright green bodies. The name "Doctor Bird" is also a reference to the tails, as they resemble old fashioned coat tails. Females have no streamers, dark bills, and greyish, brownish green coloration.

Red-Billed Streamertails feed on nectar and small insects, and live in a variety of habitats throughout the island. They are common and widespread, and are in no immediate danger as a species.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Jamaica
Size : Length 7in (15cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Apodiformes
Family : Trochilidae -- Genus : Trochilus -- Species : T. polytmus