Purple-throated Woodstar
Purple-throated Woodstar (Philodice mitchellii)
Name Origin:
The genus Philodice comes from Greek mythology, referencing a nymph and symbolizing elegance. The species name mitchellii honors American naturalist John Mitchell.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 6.5–7.5 cm (2.6–3.0 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~2.5–3 g (0.09–0.11 oz)
🌎 Range: Western Colombia and western Ecuador
🧭 Elevation: 500–2,000 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small arthropods
🏡 Habitat: Humid forest edge, second growth, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Mellisugini (a.k.a. “bees”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.
Species Overview
The Purple-throated Woodstar is a tiny, energetic hummingbird known for its rapid, bee-like flight and bold coloration in males. It is often seen darting around mid-level flowering trees or hovering near shrubs. Despite its size, it’s a confident and sometimes territorial feeder, particularly in forest clearings and gardens. While the species can be hard to spot due to its fast movements, the male’s shimmering throat often gives it away.
Male Description:
Bronzy-green upperparts, brilliant violet-purple gorget, white underparts, and short tail with dark central feathers and white outer tips. Small, straight black bill and distinctive hovering flight style.
Female Description:
Green upperparts, buffy-orange underparts with white central belly, and a short tail with white-tipped feathers. Lacks the iridescent throat patch. Still agile and quick in movement, usually seen lower than males.
Habitat & Behavior:
Found along humid forest edges, in secondary growth, and in gardens at mid-elevations. Forages for nectar by hovering and occasionally perches to rest or preen. Known for a distinct whirring sound produced by its fast wingbeats. It often forages alone and may trapline between multiple flowering areas. Flight is fast, agile, and direct.
Conservation Note:
The species remains locally common throughout its limited range. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and is frequently seen in reforested areas and managed gardens. Long-term conservation depends on preserving forest edge habitats and preventing large-scale deforestation in western Colombia and Ecuador.
