Chilean Woodstar ( Eulidia yarrellii)
Chaca, Arica, Chile. The Chilean Woodstar (Picaflor de Arica), the smallest bird in Chile, is highly endangered due primarily to loss of habitat in the northern desert valleys of the country. Current estimates put the population at roughly 250-400 individuals. It took us two outings and multiple hours to finally find two males, the first of which was spotted as a tiny dot atop a distant tree (see last photo). Given the challenges facing these wonderful birds, my encounter with them was both exhilarating and saddening. Hopefully, ongoing recovery efforts will be successful. Thanks for looking and any feedback.
Chilean Woodstar ( Eulidia yarrellii)
Chaca, Arica, Chile. The Chilean Woodstar (Picaflor de Arica), the smallest bird in Chile, is highly endangered due primarily to loss of habitat in the northern desert valleys of the country. Current estimates put the population at roughly 250-400 individuals. It took us two outings and multiple hours to finally find two males, the first of which was spotted as a tiny dot atop a distant tree (see last photo). Given the challenges facing these wonderful birds, my encounter with them was both exhilarating and saddening. Hopefully, ongoing recovery efforts will be successful. Thanks for looking and any feedback.