Amethyst Woodstar
Common name: Amethyst Woodstar
Scientific name: Calliphlox amethystina
Clades: Mellisugini - Bees
Let's break down Calliphlox amethystina:
Calliphlox: This is the genus name, which comes from Greek roots. The word "kallos" means "beauty" or "beautiful," and "phlox" means "flame" or "flower." So, the genus name Calliphlox roughly translates to "beautiful flame" or "beautiful flower," likely referring to the striking beauty of the birds in this genus, which are often brightly colored and showy.
Amethystina: This is the species name, derived from the Latin word "amethystinus," which refers to the gemstone amethyst—a purple-colored stone. The "-ina" suffix in Latin typically means "belonging to" or "pertaining to." Thus, amethystina refers to something that resembles or is colored like amethyst, indicating that the bird has purple or violet tones, likely on its throat or plumage.
Therefore, Calliphlox amethystina can be interpreted as "the beautiful, amethyst-colored hummingbird" or "the beautiful purple-flame bird"—describing a hummingbird with stunning amethyst-like colors, often seen in its throat and other plumage.
The Amethyst Woodstar is found in the Andean regions of South America, including Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is a small bird, measuring only about 3 inches in length. Both sexes are green on the back with a white band across the rump, but the males have glossy pink throat and a deeply forked tail. The females have a white throat, a short tail, and cinnamon flanks and undertail.
The Amethyst Woodstar is known for its high-pitched whistling call and its ability to hover in mid-air, as well as its long, thin beak which it uses to feed on nectar from flowers. It is also known to feed on small insects and spiders.
This bird is often found in high-altitude areas, such as cloud forests and mountainous regions, and is known for its resilience in adapting to harsh environmental conditions. Its population is considered stable, and it is not currently classified as a threatened species.
taken in Brazil
taken in Peru
