Distribution, plumage, and conservation status of the endemic esmeraldas woodstar (Chaetocercus berlepschi) of western Ecuador

Abstract

The Esmeraldas Woodstar (Chaetocercus berlepschi) is a poorly known and endangered hummingbird endemic to lowland and foothill moist forest in coastal western Ecuador. We encountered 11 new localities, observed two copulations, and found 26 nests of the species from October 2007 to April 2008. We observed the generally accepted descriptions of the female must have come from mis-labeled specimens of juvenile males and were incorrect. We collected the first three confirmed females of the species and describe their characteristics. The correct identification of female C. berlepschi and recognition of the species' breeding habitat should facilitate more effective conservation of the species.