It is named the "hummer" by locals due to a distinct humming sound it makes while feeding.

[3] Hummingbirds are the second most abundant group of avian families, having approximately 338 different recognized species.

Due to its recent divergence between lineages, the many clades within this group are constantly under close scrutiny and rearrangement.

[7] However, hummingbird species can be separated depending on morphological differences in tail shape and presence or absence of iridescent feathers, both known to play a role in sexual selection.

[8] In the revised classification to create monophyletic genera, the Bahama woodstar was moved to the resurrected genus Nesophlox.

[12] Their backs are green and gold, with olive-buff underparts, and flanks fading into white (males) or cinnamon (females).

Males have bright purple iridescent gorgets lined with a white stripe, which dull out as breeding season ends.

Other simple calls such as "spurts" from courting or fighting males, and "cheep" sounds from younglings have rarely been recorded.

Lacerations can be seen in the tubular corollas of the flowers, where the beaks of these birds and other hummingbird species took the nectar.

[18] Females lay two white oval shaped eggs which incubate for approximately two weeks.