Chilean Woodstar
Eulidia yarrellii
The Chilean Woodstar (Eulidia yarrellii) is a legendary hummingbird found only in Chile, weighing about 4 g. The Chilean woodstar is a Critically Endangered species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds".
About the Chilean Woodstar
The Chilean woodstar is a Critically Endangered species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is the only species placed in the genus Eulidia. It is endemic to Chile though there are unconfirmed reports from southern Peru. The species' name commemorates the English naturalist William Yarrell.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Chilean woodstar is 7.5 to 8.0 cm (3.0 to 3.1 in) long and weighs 2.3 to 2.6 g (0.081 to 0.092 oz). It is the smallest bird in Chile. Both sexes have a short black bill. The adult male is iridescent olive green above and white below. Its gorget is reddish-purple and blue, but often appears blackish. The central tail feathers are very short and green; the outer ones are longer, blackish brown, and curve inwards. Females are also olive green above but are mostly very pale buff below, darkest on the belly and thighs. Voice: The Chilean woodstar's call is a series of rasping "tsick" notes, quieter and "less musical" than the call of the Peruvian sheartail. The male has a high-pitched, buzzing "zrrrrrrr" display call.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: March, September, October, November, with peak activity in October. It is a passage migrant species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Chilean Woodstar?
- The Chilean woodstar is 7.5 to 8.0 cm (3.0 to 3.1 in) long and weighs 2.3 to 2.6 g (0.081 to 0.092 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Chilean Woodstar?
- The Chilean Woodstar is a tiny sized bird weighing about 4 g.
- Where can you see a Chilean Woodstar?
- The Chilean Woodstar is endemic to Chile, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Chilean Woodstar?
- The Chilean Woodstar is most easily confused with the Sooty Barbthroat, the Scissor-tailed Hummingbird and the Chiribiquete Emerald.
- Is the Chilean Woodstar endangered?
- The Chilean Woodstar is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Chilean Woodstar for real
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