Inca Buchirrosado
Blue-throated Starfrontlet
Coeligena helianthea
Song
Blue-throated Starfrontlet
Appearance: The Blue-throated Starfrontlet is a striking hummingbird, notable for its vibrant plumage. Males display a shimmering blue throat, which contrasts beautifully with their iridescent green bodies. Their wings and tails have adarker shade, adding to their visual appeal. Females are less colorful, have a green throat and a duller appearance compared to the males.
Habitat: This species is found in montane cloud forests, thriving at elevations ranging between 1,900 and 3,300 m. These forests provide a rich array of flowering plants, which are essential for their diet. The dense vegetation and high humidity of these habitats support a diverse ecosystem, making it an ideal environment for the Blue-throated Starfrontlet.
Behavior: Blue-throated Starfrontlets are known for their agile flight and territorial nature. They are often seen darting from flower to flower, using their specialized bills to extract nectar. In addition to nectar, they consume small insects, which provide essential proteins. These birds are solitary and can be aggressive when defending feeding territories from other hummingbirds.
Breeding: The breeding seasons for the Blue-throated Starfrontlet vary depending on their location within Colombia. During this time, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females. Nests are constructed by females using plant fibers and spider webs, usually placed on a sheltered branch. Clutches consist of two eggs, which the female incubates alone.
Conservation Status: The Blue-throated Starfrontlet is not considered Endangered.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Blue-throated Starfrontlet is found in the Andes, where its preferred cloud forest habitats are located. The bird's range extends across several departments, including Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Santander. These regions offer the elevation and environmental conditions necessary for the species to thrive.
Taxonomy
The Blue-throated Starfrontlet (Coeligena helianthea)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Coeligena
- Species: Coeligena helianthea
Vocalization
The Blue-throated Starfrontlet is a species of hummingbird found in an eastern Andean region of Colombia. Vocalizations are a series of high-pitched, rapid, and often repetitive sounds. These calls are used for communication, territory defense, and attracting mates.
