Image via Macaulay Library
Slender-tailed Woodstar
- Scientific name
- Microstilbon burmeisteri
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest deciduous
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Slender-tailed Woodstar, scientifically classified as Microstilbon burmeisteri, occupies a unique niche within the Trochilidae family. Endemic to the Andean foothills of Bolivia and northern Argentina, this species was formally described by Philip Sclater in 1887. Its discovery emerged from the broader nineteenth-century scientific effort to document the diverse avian life of South America, a period when naturalists were particularly fascinated by the specialized morphological adaptations of hummingbirds.
The design of the Slender-tailed Woodstar is defined by extreme specialization, most notably its pointed wing shape and distinctively forked tail, which facilitate rapid, agile maneuvering in its high-altitude, scrubby habitat. These anatomical features reflect an evolutionary response to foraging requirements in dry woodland environments. The species has long been noted by ornithologists for its modest plumage, which contrasts with the vibrant iridescence of its closer relatives, representing a successful adaptation for blending into the temperate, semi-arid landscapes it inhabits.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Slender-tailed Woodstar
Slender-tailed Woodstar is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Slender-tailed Woodstar on collecto.rs?
Slender-tailed Woodstar doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Slender-tailed Woodstar?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Slender-tailed Woodstar catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Slender-tailed Woodstar is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
