The amethyst woodstar is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found in every mainland South American country except Chile and Uruguay and has been recorded as a vagrant on Trinidad.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland and foothill regions from the Amazon Basin and Guianas to southeastern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, and is an occasional vagrant to Trinidad. Favors forest edges, secondary growth, riverine gallery forests, cerrado and savanna woodlands, plantations, and city gardens. Often uses shrub layers and edges with abundant small tubular flowers. Generally uncommon to fairly common where suitable blooms are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the smallest hummingbirds, the amethyst woodstar is named for the male’s brilliant amethyst-purple throat that flashes in good light. It often feeds by traplining, visiting a circuit of flowering plants rather than defending a single patch. Females lack the glowing throat but show warm buffy flanks and prominent white tail tips. Despite its tiny size, it can be quite pugnacious around rich nectar sources.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, hovering darts
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers and may defend rich nectar sources against other small hummingbirds. Males perform aerial display flights during courtship. Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider silk placed on slender branches or forks, often low to midstory.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and tsit notes, often given while foraging. Wingbeats can create a faint, insect-like hum. Males may add rapid, buzzy notes during display flights.
