The dusky starfrontlet, also known as glittering starfrontlet, is an Endangered species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to a few small areas in western Colombia.
Region
Western Andes of Colombia
Typical Environment
Occurs on isolated ridges and mountaintops of the Western Cordillera in Antioquia and adjacent departments. It favors shrubby edges of high Andean cloud forest, elfin forest, and adjacent páramo with abundant tubular flowers. Birds often patrol flowering Ericaceae, bromeliads, and other high-elevation shrubs, occasionally using forest interiors along clearings and stream margins. It is patchily distributed and closely tied to intact high-montane habitat.
Altitude Range
2,900–3,600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the glittering starfrontlet, this large Andean hummingbird was once feared extinct until its rediscovery in Colombia in the early 2000s. It occupies high, misty ridges where elfin forest meets páramo and can be very territorial at flower patches. Conservation reserves now protect key sites, but habitat loss and fragmentation still threaten its small population.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary away from breeding, with males vigorously defending nectar sources against other hummingbirds. Nesting likely involves a small cup of plant fibers and moss placed on protected branches in dense high-montane vegetation. Females are presumed to incubate and rear the young without male assistance, as in most hummingbirds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and short, buzzy trills delivered from perches near feeding sites. Wing hum is pronounced during close passes, especially in territorial chases.
Plumage
Mostly dark, dusky bronzy-green with velvety tones; males show a glittering green forehead and throat that can flash bright emerald in good light. Underparts are dusky with subtle bronzy sheen and slightly warmer undertail coverts. Feathers appear compact and sleek, aiding fast, agile flight.
Diet
Primarily nectar from tubular flowers of high-Andean shrubs and small trees, including Ericaceae and bromeliads. Also hawks or gleans tiny insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding. Defends rich flower patches and may follow seasonal blooms along ridgelines.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at forest edges, elfin scrub, and páramo shrublands with dense stands of flowering plants. Often visits flowering shrubs along trails, clearings, and stream margins where nectar is concentrated.
