The violet-throated starfrontlet is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia and Peru and possibly Ecuador.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the eastern Andean slopes of Peru and Bolivia, with possible occurrence in southern Ecuador. It favors humid montane cloud forest, elfin forest, and forest edges with abundant flowering shrubs and vines. The species often uses riparian corridors and clearings where tubular blossoms are concentrated. It may undertake local upslope and downslope movements following flowering peaks. Availability of nectar resources strongly shapes its local presence and territorial spacing.
Altitude Range
2200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large Andean hummingbird is named for the male’s brilliant violet throat and glittering forehead sheen. It frequents high-elevation cloud forests where it aggressively defends rich flower patches. Like many hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with small insects for protein. Nests are delicate cups bound with spider silk and placed on sheltered branches.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary outside breeding, defending high-quality flower patches vigorously from other hummingbirds. Courtship is brief and males do not assist with nesting. The female builds a small cup nest of plant down and spider silk and alone incubates and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tseet and tzip notes given during foraging and territorial chases. Wing hum is audible at close range and may accompany display flights.
Plumage
Male shows a glittering violet throat (gorget) with dark iridescent green to bronzy upperparts and a slightly forked dark tail; female is greener above with a paler, speckled throat and less iridescence. Both sexes have sleek, satiny plumage with strong iridescent sheen depending on light angle.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from tubular Andean flowers such as Fuchsia, Bomarea, and other epiphytes and shrubs. It supplements its diet with small arthropods captured by hawking or gleaning for essential proteins. Territorial individuals often return repeatedly to productive blooms and will chase intruders. During periods of low floral abundance, it broadens its foraging range and height.
Preferred Environment
Forages at forest edges, along streams, and in clearings with dense stands of flowering shrubs and vines. Frequently visits gardens and roadsides in montane zones where nectar plants are concentrated.
