Violet-tailed Sylph

In Ecuador, the Violet-tailed Sylph is a striking hummingbird of humid cloud forests along the Pacific slope of the Andes, with the nominate subspecies found from the northwest into central regions, and A. c. aethereus restricted to the southwest between El Oro and Loja. It is a resident species, fairly common in semi-open habitats such as forest edges and shrubby clearings, where males display their iridescent plumage and elongated violet tails during territorial flights. Although its population trend is suspected to be decreasing due to habitat loss, particularly deforestation, it remains classified as Least Concern owing to its broad range and relatively stable numbers. The species plays a role in pollination and exhibits typical hummingbird behaviors, including rapid flight, nectar feeding, and aggressive defense of favored flowers.