The little woodstar, called estrellita chica in South America, is a Near Threatened species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
It inhabits the western Andean foothills and adjacent lowlands, especially within the Tumbesian dry and semi-deciduous forests. The species favors forest edges, second growth, scrub, and flowering gardens or hedgerows where small tubular flowers are abundant. It uses the lower to mid-understory, frequently visiting isolated shrubs and scattered trees. Degradation and conversion of dry forest to agriculture reduce suitable habitat and patch size across its range.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little woodstar (estrellita chica) is a tiny hummingbird of western Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. It is assessed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation in the Tumbesian dry forest region. Males show a shimmering, colorful throat patch and the species flies with a fast, bumblebee-like hover. It often traplines between flowering shrubs rather than defending large territories.
Female at Copalinga Lodge, Ecuador
Temperament
shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary while feeding, following traplines between flowering plants. Males perform aerial displays to attract females. Nests are tiny cup structures placed on low to mid-level branches, and clutches usually contain two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short, tinkling trills. Wingbeats may produce a faint insect-like buzz during close flight.
Plumage
Very small, with bronzy-green upperparts and warm buff to rufous underparts; males have a glittering rosy-violet gorget and short, slightly forked tail; females show a pale throat with fine spotting, rufous belly, and dark tail with white tips.
Diet
Primarily nectar from small, tubular flowers, including those of shrubs and vines in dry forest and edge habitats. It supplements with tiny arthropods, hawking them in short sallies or gleaning from foliage for protein. Individuals often follow predictable routes (traplining) to revisit nectar sources as they replenish.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, second growth, gardens, and hedgerows where flowering plants are concentrated. Often forages at low to mid-levels, hovering briefly at each bloom.
