White-bellied Woodstar

Common name: White-bellied Woodstar
Scientific name: Chaetocercus mulsant
Clades: Mellisugini - Bees

The White-bellied woodstar is about 8.5 cm (3.3 in) long and weighs about 3.8 to 4 g (0.13 to 0.14 oz).

The White-bellied Woodstar is a bumblebee-like bird that often sneaks nectar from other hummingbird territories. In addition to searching for flowers at all levels, they often perch high out in the open. Despite their tendency to forage alone, these woodstars often join other hummingbirds in flowering trees. There is a light stripe behind the eye, and large white flank patches on both sexes. In males, the chest band is white, while in females it is buffy on the upper underparts.

Distribution C & E Andes of Colombia patchily through Ecuador and Peru to C Bolivia (Yungas of Cochabamba).

taken in Colombia

taken in Peru