Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/ Species photography guide # Marvelous Spatuletail Photography Holidays *Loddigesia mirabilis* Explore our Marvelous Spatuletail photography holidays in [Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/), built around field time with this species during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marvelous-spatuletail/#nl-species-related) ![Marvelous Spatuletail photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Where[Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Marvelous Spatuletail is a remarkably distinctive hummingbird endemic to a small area of northern Peru. The male is famous for its four tail feathers, two of which end in large violet-blue disc-shaped spatules that can be crossed & waved independently during courtship displays. It is considered one of the world's most extraordinary birds & is listed as Endangered due to habitat loss & hunting. **Habitat** This species inhabits the edges of montane forest & scrubland on the western slope of the Rio Utcubamba valley in the Amazonas region of northern Peru, typically at elevations between 2100m & 2900m. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvelous_spatuletail) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Marvelous Spatuletail with us in [Peru](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/peru/). These departures are part of our [South America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** The dry season from April to October offers the clearest conditions, with early morning hours between 7am & 10am being optimal when males are most active at feeding & display sites. **Approach** Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wing beats & capture the spatule tail feathers in sharp detail. Position yourself near flowering Munchsia plants where males are known to feed & display, allowing you to anticipate behaviour & pre-focuss your shot. A telephoto lens of 400mm or longer is recommended to maintain a respectful distance whilst still achieving frame-filling images of this small bird. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Amethyst Woodstar](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/amethyst-woodstar/)[Andean Cock-of-the-Rock](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/andean-cock-of-the-rock/)[Black-throated Mango](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-throated-mango/)[Blue-Necked Tanager](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blue-necked-tanager/)[Chestnut-breasted Coronet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/chestnut-breasted-coronet/)[Collared Inca](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-inca/)[Crested Quetzal](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/crested-quetzal/)[Long-tailed Sylph](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/long-tailed-sylph/)[Royal Sunangel](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/royal-sunangel/)[Rufous-crested Coquette](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/rufous-crested-coquette/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Marvelous Spatuletail The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Marvelous Spatuletail in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg) #### Related holiday Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds gives guests time in Peru where Marvelous Spatuletail can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Marvelous Spatuletail is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Marvelous Spatuletail in Peru. During our photography holidays, the Marvelous Spatuletail is often photographed alongside Amethyst Woodstar, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Black-throated Mango, Blue-Necked Tanager, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, & Collared Inca. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Single occupancy Maximum 5 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-Wire-crested-Thorntail-photographed-in-Peru-by-our-co-leader-Steve-Sanchez-1024x715.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) Launch Offer ### 9th - 23rd Jan 2028 - Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds **Location:** Peru Travel to Peru with us for a wildlife photography holiday, during January 2028, focused on hummingbirds photographed with both natural & controlled setups. **14 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £6999 Now: £6749** Guided By **David Miles** [View Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) -