Inca Galoneado
Buff-winged Starfrontlet
Coeligena lutetiae
Song
Buff-winged Starfrontlet
Appearance: The Buff-winged Starfrontlet features an iridescent green body with a buff or rufous patch on the wings, which gives the bird its name. The throat and upper chest are often a shimmering emerald green, and the tail is a mix of dark and metallic hues. Females are less vibrant than males, with more subdued green tones and a similar buff wing patch.
Habitat: This species inhabits montane forests and edges, often found at elevations between 1,800 and 3,400 m. It prefers humid environments, including cloud forests and areas with dense vegetation, where it can find abundant flowering plants.
Behavior: The Buff-winged Starfrontlet feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers. It uses its long, specialized bill to access deep flowers and is known for its rapid and agile flight. Males are territorial, defending rich feeding areas from other hummingbirds and sometimes even larger birds. They are not as vocal as some other bird species but produce a variety of high-pitched calls.
Breeding: The breeding season varies depending on the region but aligns with the availability of food resources. The female is responsible for building the nest, incubating the eggs, and caring for the young. Nests are cup-shaped and constructed from plant fibers and moss, often placed on a sheltered branch.
Conservation Status: The Buff-winged Starfrontlet is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Buff-winged Starfrontlet is found in the Andean region, spanning several departments from Antioquia to Putumayo and Nariño where suitable montane forest habitats exist where this hummingbird occupies a variety of forested environments.
Taxonomy
The Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Latin name)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Latin
- Species: Latin name
Vocalization
The vocalization of the Buff-winged Starfrontlet are a series of high-pitched, melodious notes delivered in rapid succession. These sounds can vary in pitch and intensity, creating a recognizable call among the hummingbird species.
Purpose
Territorial Defense: These birds use vocalizations to establish and defend their territory from potential intruders. The sounds act as auditory signals to warn others to stay away from their feeding areas or nesting sites.
Mating and Courtship: Vocalizations play a role in attracting mates. Males often use specific calls or songs to display their fitness and attract females. These sounds can be part of elaborate courtship rituals.
Communication: Vocalizations are used for communication between individuals, such as signaling danger or coordinating with a mate or offspring. This includes a variety of calls that convey different messages depending on the situation.
Alerting to Predators: The Buff-winged Starfrontlet may use vocalizations to alert other birds to the presence of predators helping to increase the survival chances of the group.
