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.
Region
Northern Chile (Atacama Desert oasis valleys)
Typical Environment
Occurs in irrigated desert valleys and riparian oasis habitats within the hyper-arid Atacama region. It favors shrubby riparian thickets, hedgerows, orchards, and gardens where flowering plants are available year-round. Native desert scrub with scattered trees and shrubs along streams and irrigation channels is especially important. It also utilizes flowering crops and ornamental plantings when bloom is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Chilean woodstar is a tiny hummingbird and the only member of the genus Eulidia. It is Critically Endangered, with a very small, fragmented population confined to a few oasis valleys in extreme northern Chile. It is often confused with the more common Peruvian sheartail, but the woodstar is smaller and the male shows a brilliant magenta-rose gorget. Key threats include habitat conversion to agriculture, invasive plants, pesticide use, and competition from other hummingbirds.
The Chilean woodstar in Chilean woods
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile hoverer
Social Behavior
Typically solitary except during courtship; males defend small flower patches vigorously. The tiny cup nest is built by the female on low branches or shrubs near reliable bloom. Clutches usually contain two eggs, and the female alone incubates and raises the young. Breeding occurs mainly in the austral spring and summer when flowers peak.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin tseet notes and short buzzy trills. In display, males produce rapid, tinkling chips and audible wing hums while hovering and darting around flower patches.
Plumage
Very small hummingbird with iridescent green upperparts and pale whitish underparts; males show a glittering magenta-rose gorget and cleaner white belly, females are duller with buffy wash on the flanks and dark tail with white tips.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of native and introduced flowering shrubs, trees, and garden plants. Also takes small arthropods for protein, hawking them in flight or gleaning from foliage. Will track seasonal blooms and exploit concentrated nectar sources in orchards and irrigated plots.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in riparian thickets, hedgerows, gardens, and orchards within oasis valleys. It visits flowering shrubs along irrigation canals and the edges of desert scrub, choosing sites with continuous bloom and sheltered perches.
