Short-tailed Woodstar
NameShort-tailed Woodstar
Common NameShort-tailed Woodstar
Scientific NameMyrmia micrura
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)10.5
Length (cm)7.5
Weight (g)2.5
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent green upperparts, white underparts, and a glittering violet gorget. Females and immatures are duller, with green upperparts, whitish underparts, and lack the prominent gorget, sometimes showing dusky markings on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin 'tsip' or 'tseet' notes, often given in a rapid series, and sometimes a soft trill.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, desert, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the arid coastal regions of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru.
Identifying Featuresextremely short tail, small size, long, straight black bill, iridescent green upperparts, white underparts
Description
The Short-tailed Woodstar is a tiny hummingbird known for its exceptionally short tail and long, straight bill. It typically hovers while feeding on nectar and insects, often found in arid scrublands and dry forest edges.
