The short-tailed woodstar is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is the only species placed in the genus Myrmia. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Tumbesian dry forests of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid to semi-arid scrub, deciduous dry forest, and woodland edges on the west slope of the Andes and adjacent coastal lowlands. It frequents hedgerows, riparian thickets, and second growth with abundant flowering shrubs. The species also visits gardens and semi-open agricultural mosaics when nectar sources are available. It tends to be patchy but can be locally common where flowers are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The short-tailed woodstar is a tiny hummingbird of the Tumbesian region, notable for its extremely short tail and bumblebee-like flight. Males perform rapid, hovering display flights around flowering shrubs. Like many woodstars, it often forages by traplining, visiting a sequence of favored blossoms. Habitat loss in dry forests of Ecuador and Peru is a concern, though the species remains relatively widespread locally.
Catamayo - Ecuador
Temperament
mostly solitary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with hovering; agile, bumblebee-like
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone, moving rapidly between individual flowers along a trapline. Males may display around nectar-rich shrubs and defend small feeding spots when resources are concentrated. The nest is a tiny cup of plant down and spider silk placed on a slender branch or in a fork, usually low to mid-height.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and tssit notes, often given during foraging. Wing hum is audible and can sound insect-like; display flights add buzzy trills and rapid sequences of ticks.
