Magenta-throated Woodstar

The Magenta-throated Woodstar, Philodice bryantae, is a diminutive and vibrant species of hummingbird belonging to the "bee hummingbirds" tribe Mellisugini. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is approximately 9.0 cm in length and weighs around 3.3 g, while the female is slightly smaller at about 7.5 cm and weighs approximately 3.5 g. Both sexes possess a short, straight, black bill and a distinctive white spot behind the eye.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be identified by their metallic purple gorget, a green breast and flanks, and a rufous belly with a white or buffy patch on either side of the rump. Females, on the other hand, have a buffy throat and a green breast and flanks with some rufous mixed in. The male's tail feathers are black with cinnamon-rufous inner webs, while the female's tail feathers are rufous with a black band near the end and buffy cinnamon tips.

Habitat

This species thrives in semi-open to open landscapes within the Talamancan montane ecoregion. Habitats include forest edges and clearings, thinned woodland, secondary forest, and shrubby pastures.

Distribution

The Magenta-throated Woodstar is native to the regions extending from northern Costa Rica into western Panama as far as Veraguas Province, predominantly on the Pacific slope.

Behaviour

Local movements have been observed in this species, suggesting a partial migratory pattern, although details remain elusive. Males are known to display aggressive behavior when defending feeding territories, often holding their long tail cocked and closed while feeding but opening it wide during confrontations.

Song & Calls

The song of the Magenta-throated Woodstar is a low-pitched, rapid medley of sputtering and gurgling notes. Their calls include a low-pitched dry rolling 'drr', a dry 'cht', and a low-pitched, whistled 'tew' which is typically heard during chases.

Breeding

In Costa Rica, the breeding season spans from November to March or April, with males performing diving display flights alone or in loose groups, possibly at leks. Details of the nesting behavior, incubation period, and time to fledging in Panama remain undocumented.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of nectar from various flowering plants, shrubs, and trees. The Magenta-throated Woodstar also captures small arthropods by hawking from a perch or gleaning from foliage.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Magenta-throated Woodstar as Least Concern. Although it has a restricted range and its population, estimated between 20,000 and 50,000 mature individuals, is believed to be decreasing, the species is still considered locally common and seems to tolerate some degree of forest clearance.