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 habitat protection.
Region
Western Ecuador (Chocó–Manabí lowlands)
Typical Environment
Restricted to the Pacific slope of western Ecuador in semi-deciduous to evergreen lowland and foothill forests. Most often found along forest edges, riparian thickets, clearings, and secondary growth where flowering shrubs are abundant. It may also occur in shaded agroforestry systems and gardens during peak flowering. The species favors habitats with a continuous supply of nectar and small aerial insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the smallest hummingbirds, the Esmeraldas woodstar shows striking sexual dimorphism: males have a vivid purple throat while females are buffy below with a clean white throat. It forages with a bumblebee-like flight and often visits flowering shrubs along forest edges and second growth. The species is highly localized on Ecuador’s Pacific slope and is threatened primarily by deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Kohleria spicata
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and darting
Social Behavior
Typically solitary at flowers, with males defending favored nectar sources. Courtship includes shuttle displays and rapid aerial chases. Nests are tiny cup nests placed on slender branches or stems, usually low to mid-level in vegetation; clutch is typically two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and tsee notes given during foraging and territorial interactions. Males add rapid trills and buzzy elements during display flights.
Plumage
Male with iridescent green upperparts, a brilliant purple throat (gorget), and a clean white pectoral band contrasting with pale underparts; tail short. Female with green upperparts, white throat, buffy to cinnamon-washed underparts, and a darker tail with pale tips.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from small tubular flowers of shrubs and small trees, hovering to sip while holding a tight position. Supplements diet with tiny insects and spiders captured by aerial hawking or gleaned from foliage for protein. Selects flower patches that offer high nectar throughput and revisits productive plants.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, riparian corridors, secondary growth, and occasionally flowering gardens and shade agroforests. Prefers areas with continuous flowering and sheltered perches for short rest intervals.
