Polytmus guainumbi (Pallas, 1764)

Species Identification and Size

The white-tailed goldenthroat (Polytmus guainumbi) measures 9.7 to 11.8 cm (3.8 to 4.6 in) in length and weighs 4.4 to 5 g (0.16 to 0.18 oz). All of its subspecies have a long, decurved bill that is reddish and black.

Nominate Male Upperparts

For the nominate subspecies, the male has shiny golden to bronzy green upperparts. It has a long, rounded tail, with mostly green feathers that have white tips; the outer three pairs of feathers have broad white edges.

Nominate Male Head and Underparts

The area around the eye is dusky gray, with white streaks above and below the eye. Its underparts are iridescent golden-green.

Nominate Female Plumage

The female of the nominate subspecies has buffy streaks on the face, a whitish chin, and buff underparts with green spots on the throat and breast.

Subspecies P. g. andinus Features

Subspecies P. g. andinus is similar to the nominate, but has more white on its inner tail feathers.

Subspecies P. g. thaumantias Features

Subspecies P. g. thaumantias has a somewhat shorter bill than the nominate, has reddish gold upperparts, and has less white on its outer tail feathers.

Nominate Subspecies Distribution

The nominate subspecies of white-tailed goldenthroat is distributed in Trinidad, and from Venezuela through the Guianas into Amapá state, coastal northern Brazil.

P. g. andinus Distribution

P. g. andinus is found in eastern Colombia, as far south as the departments of Meta and Vichada.

P. g. thaumantias Distribution

P. g. thaumantias is distributed from extreme southeastern Peru across Bolivia and Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean, and extends south into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. In eastern Brazil, it occurs from Maranhão south as far as northern Paraná.

Habitat Types

This species lives in a range of different landscapes, including wet grassland, shrubby savanna, cerrado, and freshwater swamps. In drier areas, it tends to stay near any available water.

Elevation Range

Its elevation range extends from sea level up to 600 m (2,000 ft).