About the Esmeraldas Woodstar
The Esmeraldas woodstar is a rare, neotropical species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. There are six different species in the woodstar genus. Most of them are poorly studied due to their small size, extremely similar resemblance to each other, and rarity. Esmeraldas woodstars are one of the smallest bird species. They are sexually dimorphic. The main difference between sexes is that males have a bright purple throat. Esmeraldas woodstars are found only on the Pacific coast of west Ecuador in semi-deciduous to evergreen forests. They feed on the nectar of flowering shrubs and trees. The main threat to this species is deforestation. Esmeraldas woodstars are Vulnerable and require…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
At only about 6 centimeters long, Esmeraldas woodstars are among the smallest species of hummingbird. Researchers recently found Esmeraldas woodstars at twelve new locations and collected the first female specimens of the species. Previously, the specimens labelled as female were misgendered juvenile males. Female Esmeraldas woodstars have yellowish-brown underparts and a dark greyish-black back, head, and tail. They have green patches on the sides of their chest and the center of their tail. Their tails also have small, cinnamon-rufous tips.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Learn the Esmeraldas Woodstar for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.