Chilean Woodstar

The Chilean Woodstar hummingbird is a tiny, highly endangered species found very locally in the deserts of northern Chile. Lowland valleys, where native desert scrub thrives, are mostly wiped out by intensive agriculture. During flight, males are most often detected by an insect-like buzz made by their wings. Tails of females are shorter and have pale rusty bases (difficult to see).

More than 80 percent of the species' numbers have declined from at least 1,500 birds in 2003 to roughly 400 birds in 2012 due to habitat loss. Chilean Woodstar declines may also be caused by competition with Peruvian Sheartails, a more aggressive hummingbird that has expanded into its range.