The magenta-throated woodstar is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern and central Costa Rica into western Panama, mostly in foothill to montane zones. It favors cloud-forest edges, clearings, second growth, and rural gardens with abundant flowering shrubs and trees. Shade coffee with Inga and Erythrina is frequently used, as are borders with Hamelia and other tubular blooms. It typically forages at low to mid-levels but will also visit canopy flowers. Local movements follow flowering peaks.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny hummingbird is named for the male’s glittering magenta throat patch (gorget), which flashes in good light. It frequents edges, gardens, and flowering shade-coffee where it defends small nectar patches. Like many hummingbirds, it also hawks tiny insects for protein and is an important pollinator of tubular flowers.
Male in flight
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering and brief dashes
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it is mostly solitary, defending small flower clumps against other hummingbirds. Courtship involves hovering displays and chases by the male. The tiny cup nest is made of plant down bound with spider silk, typically placed on a horizontal twig. Usual clutch is two eggs with the female handling incubation and care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin chips and twitters given while foraging or in brief chases. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and display flights may include rapid, buzzy trills.
