Metaltail Hummingbirds
Metaltail hummingbirds belong to a specific genus of hummingbirds called Metallura. Metaltail hummingbirds tend to live in and around the Andes Mountains in South America. The birds' tail feathers are wide and brightly-colored. The violet-throated metaltail and the Perija metaltail are considered endangered, mainly due to the destruction of their habitats.
Woodstar Hummingbirds
Woodstar hummingbirds are relatively small, even compared to the size of typical hummingbirds. They are easily recognized by their forked tails. Woodstar hummingbirds are normally found in South America. Two types are considered endangered: the Chilean Woodstar and the Esmeraldas Woodstar. It is suspected these birds face extinction due mainly to the destruction of the rain forest.
Other Endangered Hummingbirds
There are several types of endangered hummingbirds that cannot be grouped by genus. They include the Black Inca, Royal Sunangel, hook-billed hermit, grey-bellied comet, marvelous spatuletail, Santa Marta Sabrewing, mangrove and blue-capped hummingbirds. These hummingbirds can be found throughout Central and South America. They are threatened by the destruction of their natural habitats, and the use of pesticides.
Critically Endangered Puffleg Hummingbirds
Puffleg hummingbirds have, as their name suggests, fluffy feathers covering their legs. This feathering is especially noticeable in male pufflegs. These hummingbirds, which are mainly found in Central and South America, are believed to suffer heavily from the effects of deforestation. Species considered critically endangered include the black-breasted and turquoise-throated puffleg hummingbirds. The turquoise-throated puffleg is one of the most endangered. There have not been any confirmed sightings of this bird since the 1800s.
Other Critically Endangered Hummingbirds
Critically endangered hummingbirds are classified by their small populations and the time it takes the population to decrease. Critically endangered birds have a 50 percent chance of being extinct within 10 years. Critically endangered birds include the Juan Fernández fire crown, the short-crested coquette, the Honduran emerald, the sapphire-bellied and the chestnut-bellied.
Vulnerable Hummingbirds
Vulnerable hummingbirds are those not yet considered seriously endangered, but in danger of decreased population or extinction. Vulnerable hummingbird types include the glow-throated, scissor-tailed, white-tailed, Mexican wood nymph, blossom crown, purple-backed sunbeam, little Woodstar and the Escudo.