Nesophlox evelynae
The Bahama Woodstar, Nesophlox evelynae, is a jewel-toned hummingbird endemic to the Bahamian archipelago and Turks and Caicos Islands. Measuring a mere 8-9 cm (3.1-3.5 inches) in length and weighing just 2-4 grams, it is a diminutive yet striking avian resident. Males are resplendent with an iridescent magenta-purple gorget that shimmers intensely, contrasting with a greenish-bronze back and flanks, and a white post-ocular stripe. Their distinctive forked tail, often appearing deeply emargin...
Found primarily in a variety of lowland habitats, including dry broadleaf forests, pine savannas, coppice woodlands, gardens, and urban green spaces from sea level up to moderate elevations.
Feeds predominantly on nectar from a variety of flowering plants and supplements this with small arthropods (insects and spiders) caught in flight or gleaned from vegetation.
Bahama Woodstars are highly diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, primarily foraging and defending their feeding territories, often perching inconspicuously on a thin twig between bouts of activity. Their foraging strategy involves rapidly hovering in front of flowers to sip nectar with their long, ...
The Bahama Woodstar is endemic to the Bahamian archipelago and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where it is a widespread and common resident. Its primary distribution covers nearly all major islands within this geographic region. Two subspecies are generally recognized: Nesophlox evelynae evelynae, ...
Least Concern
- The Bahama Woodstar has one of the fastest wingbeats of any bird, estimated at around 60-80 beats per second, creating its characteristic humming sound. - Males of the southern subspecies (Nesophlox evelynae lyrura), found on the Inagua Islands, possess an exceptionally long, deeply forked, lyr...