The blue-throated starfrontlet is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane forests, cloud forests, and elfin forest from the Eastern and Central Andes of Colombia into the Cordillera de Mérida of western Venezuela. It favors forest edges, gaps, and shrubby clearings with abundant tubular flowers. Birds also range along streams and secondary growth where nectar plants are common. The species is largely sedentary but may shift locally with flowering peaks.
Altitude Range
1800–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hummingbird is named for the male’s brilliant, starry blue throat that flashes in good light. It frequents flowering shrubs and trees in Andean cloud forests and is notably assertive when defending nectar sources. It often visits feeders where available and supplements nectar with tiny insects for protein.
Blue-throated starfrontlet
Temperament
assertive and territorial at nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose association at rich flower patches. Males defend feeding territories vigorously and perform display flights during courtship. The small cup nest of plant fibers and moss is placed on sheltered ledges or branches, often near water or along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of high, thin chips and short buzzy trills given during foraging and territorial encounters. Wing hum is prominent at close range, and males add sharper chatters when chasing intruders.
Plumage
Male with iridescent blue throat (gorget), dark mask, and bronzy-green upperparts; tail dark with a bluish gloss. Female duller with bronzy-green upperparts and buffy to whitish underparts marked with dusky scaling or spotting. Both sexes have a fairly long, straight bill and slightly forked tail.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, including shrubs and canopy blooms. It practices both trap-lining between reliable flower patches and territorial defense of rich resources. Small insects and spiders are taken by hawking or gleaning, providing essential protein.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and roadside thickets where flowers are abundant. Also visits gardens and feeders in Andean towns and villages near suitable habitat.
