Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

The rufous-tailed hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) is a medium-sized hummingbird with iridescent emerald-green upperparts, a grey underside and a namesake rusty-red rump and tail. It is one of Panama's most common and widespread hummingbirds.

With up to 70 wingbeats per second, these energetic birds hover in front of flowers to sip nectar with their long, specialised bills. They are extremely territorial, aggressively defending their food sources against rivals and even larger birds.

In Panama they are found practically everywhere — from gardens and parks in Panama City to the coffee plantations of Boquete. Just hang a hummingbird feeder and they'll appear within hours.