Magenta-throated Woodstar

Magenta-throated Woodstar
Male in Costa Rica
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Apodiformes
Family:	Trochilidae
Genus:	Calliphlox
Species:	C. bryantae
Binomial name
Calliphlox bryantae (Lawrence, 1867)

The Magenta-throated Woodstar (Calliphlox bryantae) is an attractive hummingbird that is a resident breeder in forest edge and scrub in Costa Rica and western Panama. Its nest is undescribed.

The 9 cm long, 3.5 g weight male Magenta-throated Woodstar is unmistakable with its magenta throat separated by a white collar from the green chest and flanks. The back is green and the belly is rufous. There are white rump patches, and the black-tipped tail is long and forked.

The female is 3 cm long and lacks the male’s long tail. Her plumage is generally like the male’s but her throat is grey-buff instead of magenta, and the tail sides are rufous. Immature birds are like the female, but paler below and with buff fringes to the upperparts plumage.

The male gives a diving display flight alone or in loose groups. His song is a spluttering gurgle, and the call a dry chi or territorial chrrrrt.

These birds usually visit flowers of herbs, trees and scrubs for nectar, cocking their tails as they feed.

References

• A guide to the birds of Costa Rica by Stiles and Skutch ISBN 0-8014-9600-4
• BirdLife International 2004. Calliphlox bryantae. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 28 March 2008.