North American racket-tail (SciiFii)

The North American racket-tail (Ocreatus americanum) is a species of hummingbird of the booted racket-tail genus (Ocreatus), most closely related to the white-booted racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. North American racket-tails have pronounced sexual dimorphism (sexes have different plumage). Only the male has elongated outer rectrices (tail feathers) that are about 7.5 to 9 centimeters long. These tail feathers have bare shafts with long terminal oval shaped flags that have pointed ends. In perching birds, the rackets are held parallel with a slight overlap of the flags. Both sexes are shining green above with a small white postocular spot. The underparts of the male are also shining green with an iridescent green throat patch that can be seen in good light. The female has white underparts with many large dark green spots and its black tail has white tips. Both sexes have white colored leg puffs (booties), although the male's are longer and fluffier. The North American racket-tails primarily feed on nectar taken from a variety of brightly colored, scented small flowers of trees, herbs, shrubs and epiphytes, but it is known to feed on insects during mid-flight. As with other hummingbirds, the female takes care of all duties related to caring for the young. She builds a cup-shaped nest of plant fibers and down covered in moss and lichen, usually positioned 20 to 30 feet high in a tree, where she lays two or three tiny eggs. She may raise several broods per year if food supplies are sufficient. The conservation status of the North American racket-tail is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American racket-tail's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii