The Esmeraldas Woodstar (Chaetocercus berlepschi) is a small hummingbird endemic to northwest Ecuador. With an average body length of only 9 cm and weight of around 3 grams, it is one of the smallest hummingbird species in the world. This diminutive bird has a long straight black bill and dark velvety green upperparts. The male has an iridescent turquoise-green crown, nape and throat. The breast is whitish with heavy green spotting that forms a broad band across the lower chest. The female Esmeraldas Woodstar has a duller green crown and whitish undersides with very little spotting.
The Esmeraldas Woodstar is found only in extreme northwest Ecuador in two disjunct populations. One is located in the Esmeraldas Province along the Pacific coast. The other is found inland in the Imbabura and Carchi Provinces. Its total range covers less than 15,000 km2. The species inhabits both wet lowland forest and drier foothill forest up to 1500 m elevation. It seems to prefer areas with plenty of flowering plants and a semi-open understory.
This hummingbird gets its common name from the rufous-tailed woodstar genus Chaetocercus to which it belongs. ‘Esmeraldas’ refers to its geographic range around Esmeraldas Province. It is closely related and similar in appearance to the rufous-tailed woodstar (C. mystaceus) of Colombia and Ecuador. In fact, the Esmeraldas woodstar was once considered a subspecies. It was officially elevated to full species status in 2010 based on differences in plumage, vocalizations, and genetics.
The major threat to the survival of the Esmeraldas woodstar is habitat loss. Coastal forests in its tiny range are being rapidly cleared for agriculture, timber extraction and development. This fragmentation isolates tiny populations which are then vulnerable to dying out. Predation by invasive species like cats and rats may also be a problem. Furthermore, its dependence on certain flowering plants makes it vulnerable to ecosystem changes.
To protect this endangered species, conservation efforts are focused on halting deforestation in remaining woodstar habitat. Some protected areas have now been established including the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Ecotourism initiatives help provide economic alternatives to forest clearing for local communities. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs may be required in the future if populations decline further. Researchers are also working to better understand the ecology and habitat needs of the Esmeraldas woodstar to guide conservation planning.
With its buzzing wings and glittering colors, the Esmeraldas woodstar is considered one of the most beautiful hummingbirds in the world. It has specialized feathers producing iridescent turquoise and violet flashes that shimmer in the forest light. During its courtship display, the male flies in a u-shaped pattern to impress females. These aerobatic skills are necessary to navigate its dense forest home at speed. Like all hummingbirds, it can hover in place and even fly backwards.
The major diet of the Esmeraldas woodstar consists of nectar from flowering plants and small arthropods. It uses its long bill to drink nectar while hovering beside flowers. Some species visited include Bomarea, Fuchsia, Bucanetum and Brachyotum. The female builds a tiny cup nest out of plant down and spider webs on a low branch or tree fern. She lays just two pea-sized white eggs. She alone cares for the chicks who fledge less than a month after hatching.
With its rapidly diminishing forest habitat and populations of only a few hundred to a few thousand birds, the Esmeraldas woodstar is at high risk of extinction. Protecting remaining fragments of Ecuadorian Chocó forest is crucial for the preservation of this unique Neotropical hummingbird. Further research can clarify its habitat needs and the best conservation strategies. If deforestation can be controlled, ecotourism and community support may help provide this colorful species a future. The Esmeraldas woodstar can serve as a flagship to boost protection for the entire threatened Chocó ecoregion.