Sparkling-tailed Woodstar

The Sparkling-tailed Woodstar, scientifically known as Tilmatura dupontii, is a diminutive and enchanting hummingbird. Males are distinguished by their metallic green upperparts and a striking violet blue gorget, while females boast metallic bronze or green upperparts with cinnamon underparts. The species is notable for the male's deeply forked tail, adorned with purplish black feathers tipped in white and banded in chestnut.

Identification Tips

When observing the Sparkling-tailed Woodstar, look for the long, straight, black bill and the conspicuous white patch on each side of the rump. Males range from 8.2 to 10.1 cm in length, with females slightly smaller at 5.8 to 7.5 cm. The male's tail is particularly elongated and bifurcated, while the female's tail is only slightly forked.

Habitat

This species favors semi-open landscapes, often found at the edges of pine-oak forests, secondary growth, and scrubby woods. It thrives at elevations between 750 to 2,500 meters, though it can occasionally be spotted near sea level.

Distribution

The Sparkling-tailed Woodstar graces the skies from Sinaloa and Veracruz in Mexico, through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, and into northern Nicaragua. Its presence is discontinuous, creating pockets of populations across this range.

Behaviour

While the details of their movements are not fully understood, Sparkling-tailed Woodstars may seasonally descend to lower elevations. They exhibit a slow, bee-like flight as they forage for nectar, following a trap-lining pattern among a variety of flowering plants.

Song & Calls

The song of the Sparkling-tailed Woodstar is a high, thin, musical squeaking that continues for many seconds, rising and falling in pitch. It is often delivered from a high, exposed perch. Additionally, they emit high, sharp, twittering chirps.

Breeding

Breeding behaviors and phenology remain largely a mystery for this species. However, individuals in breeding condition have been found in August, suggesting that the breeding season encompasses at least this month.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within its genus, as the Sparkling-tailed Woodstar is the sole member of Tilmatura.

Diet and Feeding

The Sparkling-tailed Woodstar consumes nectar from a variety of plants, feeding at all levels of vegetation. It also supplements its diet with insects, which it catches in flight from a perch.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Sparkling-tailed Woodstar as Least Concern due to its large range and presumed stable population. However, in Mexico, the species is considered threatened due to habitat pressures and its scattered distribution.