The Slender-tailed Woodstar (Microstilbon burmeisteri) is a small hummingbird species found in South America. With an average body length of only 6-7 cm and weighing 3-4 grams, it is one of the smallest hummingbird species in the world. The Slender-tailed Woodstar gets its name from its long, forked tail which makes up over half of its body length.
Description
The Slender-tailed Woodstar has a slender body with elongated wings. The male has an iridescent turquoise-green crown and throat, with a bronze-green back. The underparts are white with green sides. The deeply forked tail is purple-black on the outer retrices. The female is similar but lacks the iridescent crown and throat, instead having gray-green upperparts and white underparts with green flanks. Both sexes have a thin dark bill and dark eyes.
Distribution and Habitat
The Slender-tailed Woodstar is found along the west coast of South America in parts of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Its habitat consists of coastal scrub, arid slopes, and deserts. It can be found from sea level up to 2500 meters in elevation. This species prefers areas with flowering plants and adeptly hovers while feeding on nectar.
Behavior
The Slender-tailed Woodstar feeds on nectar primarily by traplining, where individuals regularly visit favorite flowers in sequence. It also takes some small insects. Males perform display flights to attract females, flying in u-shaped patterns while calling loudly.
Nesting
The female Slender-tailed Woodstar builds a small, compact cup nest out of plant fibers and spider webs, attached to a branch or twig. She lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them alone for 15-19 days. The chicks are fed by the female and fledge at approximately 20 days old.
Migration
There is evidence that some populations of the Slender-tailed Woodstar may make seasonal altitudinal migrations, moving to lower elevations in the winter months. However, not all populations are migratory. Those living near adequate food supplies may remain in the same area year-round.
Taxonomy
The Slender-tailed Woodstar is classified in the order Apodiformes, family Trochilidae. It is closely related to other woodstar hummingbirds in the genera Chaetocercus, Acestrura, and Philodice. Its scientific name Microstilbon burmeisteri commemorates the German naturalist Hermann Burmeister. No subspecies are recognized.
Threats and Conservation
The Slender-tailed Woodstar has a wide range and is fairly common in some protected areas. However, habitat loss in the arid coastal regions it inhabits poses a threat. Destruction of flowering plants reduces food availability. The IUCN Red List classifies this species as Least Concern. Protecting scrub habitats and planting native flowering species can help conserve Slender-tailed Woodstar populations.
Interesting Facts
– The Slender-tailed Woodstar has one of the fastest wingbeat rates of any hummingbird, averaging 12-15 beats per second. This enables the sustained hovering necessary to feed while visiting flowers.
– Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in looping patterns up to 100 feet in the air while vocalizing loudly. Once paired, couples may remain together over multiple seasons.
– This diminutive hummingbird got its common name from its remarkably long, forked tail which exceeds the length of its body and wings combined. The tail aids in flight stability and maneuverability.
– Slender-tailed Woodstars have excellent memories and regularly revisit productive flowers along established feeding routes. Some populations migrate seasonally while others remain resident year-round.
– When night temperatures drop, they enter torpor to conserve energy, lowering their metabolic rate and body temperature significantly.
In summary, the tiny Slender-tailed Woodstar survives in harsh arid environments thanks to specialized adaptations like hovering flight, migration, and torpor. Conservation of these resilient hummingbirds depends on protection of the fragile scrub habitats they inhabit along the Pacific coast of South America. Their unique appearance and behaviors make them a highlight for birdwatchers lucky enough to observe them.