Inca Oscuro
Glittering Starfrontlet
Coeligena orina
Song
Glittering Starfrontlet (Dusky Starfrontlet)
Appearance: The Glittering Starfrontlet is a medium-sized hummingbird, characterized by its striking iridescent plumage. Males have a vibrant green body with a glittering golden or coppery sheen on the throat and chest, while females are generally less colorful, exhibiting more muted tones with some iridescence. Both sexes have a slightly curved bill and a distinctive dusky or dark coloration on their underparts, which is more pronounced in females.
Habitat: This species is endemic to Colombia and is found in the Andean cloud forests. It inhabits high-altitude regions, usually between 2300 and 3500 m above sea level. The Dusky Starfrontlet prefers dense, humid forest environments with abundant flowering plants, which provide essential nectar sources.
Behavior: The Glittering Starfrontlet is known for its agile flight and territorial nature. It often defends feeding territories aggressively against other hummingbirds and even larger birds. It feeds on nectar, using its specialized bill to access flowers. It consumes small insects and spiders to supplement its diet with protein.
Breeding: Information on the breeding behavior of the Dusky Starfrontlet is limited. It has a breeding season aligned with the availability of food resources. Hummingbirds build small, cup-shaped nests made from plant fibers and spider silk, which are camouflaged with lichens and moss. The female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The Glittering Starfrontlet is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population is believed to be small and declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
MALE
FEMALE
Distribution
The Glittering Starfrontlet is found in the departments of Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas, and in the northern region of Valle del Cauca at high altitudes ranging from 2300 and 3500 m above sea level.
Taxonomy
The Glittering Starfrontlet (Dusky Starfrontlet) (Coeligena orina)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Coeligena
- Species: Coeligena orina
Vocalization
Hummingbirds, including the Glittering Starfrontlet, are not particularly known for elaborate vocalizations compared to songbirds. However, they do produce a variety of sounds that serve different purposes. These sounds can include:
Chirps and Tweets: Short, sharp sounds that can serve as communication between individuals or as a response to threats.
Buzzing: The rapid movement of their wings creates a buzzing or humming sound, which is characteristic of all hummingbirds. This is not a vocalization per se, but it is a significant sound they produce.
Calls: Specific calls can be used during courtship displays or to establish territory.
Purpose
The vocalizations and sounds produced by the Glittering Starfrontlet serve several purposes:
Territorial Defense: Hummingbirds are known to be territorial, and vocalizations are to warn other birds to stay away from their feeding areas.
Mating: During the breeding season, males may use calls as part of their courtship displays to attract females.
Communication: Vocalizations can help maintain contact between individuals, such as between a mother and her offspring or between mates.
While the Glittering Starfrontlet may not have a complex song repertoire, its vocalizations play a crucial role in its behavior and interaction with its environment.
