Santa Marta Woodstar
Chaetocercus astreans
Tiny bumblebee-like hummingbird found only in and around Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains, where it is the only woodstar. Usually encountered in cloud forest at moderate elevations, but occasionally wanders down to near sea level. Note the white spots next to the rump, which is typical of woodstars. Adult male has a glittering magenta throat patch bordered by white and a spiky tail. Female has a black mask and a tawny belly. Young males look like females but with blotching on the throat. Often seen resting on bare branches at the very top of a tall tree. Regularly seen in and around El Dorado Nature Reserve, though only rarely visits the feeders.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Chaetocercus astreans
- Authority
- (Bangs, 1899)
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Chaetocercus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Calabarzon Babbler
Sterrhoptilus affinis
A fairly small bird of lowland and foothill forest and edge; endemic to Luzon, though lumped with Visayan Babbler under “Black-crowned Babbler” by some taxonomies. Has a gray back and cheek with fine pale streaks, dark wings and tail with white outer tail feathers, white underparts, a pale rufous throat, and a black crown. Note the slender black bill. Often joins mixed-species flocks and sometimes hangs upside down while feeding. Somewhat similar to Green-backed Whistler, especially from below, but smaller, with a pale rufous throat and a black crown. Voice includes a medium-pitched “poo piuu!” with the second note downslurred.
Sunda Collared-Dove
Streptopelia bitorquata
Medium-sized pinkish-brown dove with bright red eyes. “Collar” is black with a white upper margin. Favors mangroves and other open forests and forest edge, occasionally venturing into areas of human habitation; generally uncommon throughout much of its range. Gives a deep throaty purr.
Long-tailed Wood-Partridge
Dendrortyx macroura
Very elusive, chickenlike bird of humid evergreen and pine-evergreen forests in the highlands of central Mexico. Usually in pairs or small groups on the forest floor; may be seen beside quiet trails and roads early and late in the day. Runs away quickly and rarely flies. Note the white stripes on black head, red bill and eyering, and overall gray-brown body; tail often held cocked, like a chicken. Loud rollicking songs are given mainly early and late in the day and most often reveal its presence.
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