Blue-throated Starfrontlet
NameBlue-throated Starfrontlet
Common NameBlue-throated Starfrontlet
Scientific NameCoeligena helianthea
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)15.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsMales have a brilliant iridescent green head and upperparts, a sparkling blue throat patch (gorget), a purplish-chestnut belly, and a deeply forked, dark tail. The rump often shows iridescent blue-green. Females are similar but with a smaller or absent blue throat patch and often a whitish belly with green spots.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of high-pitched, sharp 'tsip' or 'chip' notes, often given while perched or during foraging bouts.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Andes mountains of Colombia and western Venezuela, typically found at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 meters.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent blue throat patch (gorget), Large size for a hummingbird, Long, straight black bill, Deeply forked dark tail, Iridescent green head and back, Purplish-chestnut belly
Description
The Blue-throated Starfrontlet is a large, striking hummingbird found in the high Andes. Males display brilliant iridescent green, blue, and purple plumage, often seen actively foraging for nectar and insects.
