Chaetocercus heliodor
The Gorgeted Woodstar (Chaetocercus heliodor) is a captivating jewel of the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), renowned for being one of the smallest and most dazzling members of its genus. Males are instantly recognizable by their brilliant, iridescent green gorget that can flash purple or even black depending on the light, contrasting sharply with their metallic green upperparts and white post-ocular streak. They average a tiny 6-7 cm in length and weigh a mere 2.3-2.6 grams, making them one...
Found primarily in humid montane forests, cloud forest edges, and secondary growth within its Andean range, typically between 1000 and 2400 meters in elevation.
Primarily feeds on nectar from small, tubular flowers, supplemented by small arthropods (flies, gnats, spiders) gleaned from foliage or caught in mid-air.
Gorgeted Woodstars are diurnal and highly active, constantly flitting between flowers and display perches. Males are fiercely territorial, aggressively defending prime feeding areas and display territories with aerial chases and sharp vocalizations against rivals. Courtship involves spectacular '...
The Gorgeted Woodstar is resident across a significant portion of the Andes Mountains in South America. Its range extends from western Venezuela (Mérida state) through the cordilleras of Colombia and Ecuador, reaching into northern Peru (Amazonas and San Martín regions). Three recognized subspeci...
Least Concern
- The Gorgeted Woodstar is one of the smallest hummingbird species in the world, with males weighing less than a U.S. penny. - Males perform dazzling 'J-shaped' aerial courtship dives, reaching impressive speeds before pulling up sharply to display their vibrant gorget. - Their wings beat at an a...