The purple-collared woodstar (Myrtis fanny) is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Taxonomy and systematics
The exact relationships within the "bee hummingbirds" are uncertain, but the purple-collared woodstar appears to be closely related to the amethyst woodstar (Calliphlox amethystina). It is the only member of its genus and has two subspecies, the nominate M. f. fanny and M. f. megalura.
Description
The purple-collared woodstar is 7.5 to 8 cm (3.0 to 3.1 in) long and weighs 2.3 to 2.5 g (0.081 to 0.088 oz). Both sexes have a short, decurved, black bill. Their upperparts are bronze-green. Males have an iridescent aquamarine gorget with a shiny violet band below it. The rest of the underparts are dirty white. The long forked tail is dusky brown glossed with light green. The female's underparts are buff, with a bit of white on the throat and belly. Its tail is short and rounded; the central pair of feathers are blue-green, the next pair blue-green with black tips, and the rest black with white tips. The two subspecies are alike but for M. f. megalura's longer tail.
Distribution and habitat
The nominate subspecies of purple-collared woodstar is found in western and southern Ecuador and western Peru all the way south to Arequipa Department. M. f. megalura is found in northern Peru from Cajamarca south to Huánuco. The species inhabits open landscapes such as dry coastal scrub, open woodlands, and gardens. In elevation it ranges from sea level to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), though in Ecuador it is mostly found between 1,000 and 2,000 m (3,300 and 6,600 ft).
Behavior
The movements of the purple-collared woodstar, if any, are not known, but elevational movements are thought to be probable.
The purple-collared woodstar feeds on nectar by trap-lining, visiting a circuit of flowering plants. It also feeds on small insects captured on the wing.
