Gorgeted Woodstar

The Gorgeted Woodstar (Chaetocercus heliodor) occurs patchily along the Andean slopes of northeastern Ecuador, with the subspecies cleavesi found between Sucumbíos and Morona-Santiago provinces, typically at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 meters. Though uncommon, it is regularly observed in semi-open habitats such as forest edges, coffee plantations, and shrubby clearings, where its tiny size and bumblebee-like flight allow it to forage discreetly—even within the territories of larger hummingbirds. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is suspected to be slowly declining due to habitat degradation across its range. Natural history records note nectar-feeding from mid-level to canopy flowers, especially Inga trees, and occasional insect hawking; breeding occurs from April to October, though nesting behavior remains poorly documented.