Dusky Starfrontlet
Dusky Starfrontlet (Coeligena orina)
Name Origin:
The genus Coeligena derives from Greek koilos (“hollow”) and genes (“born” or “produced”), possibly referencing the bird’s cup-shaped nests. The species name orina means “mountain” or “upland” in Latin, referencing its high-elevation Andean habitat.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 in)
⚖️ Weight: 7–8.5 g (0.25–0.30 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to Colombia (Western Andes, Antioquia Department)
🧭 Elevation: 2,600–3,500 m (8,500–11,500 ft)
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Cloud forest and upper montane scrub near páramo zones
🧬 Clade: Heliantheini “Brilliants” (Andean montane hummingbirds)
📊 Status: Endangered (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic species — no recognized subspecies.
Distribution: Confined to the western slope of the Western Andes of Colombia, specifically in the northwestern sector of the Antioquia Department, including Farallones del Citará and nearby montane ridges. Occupies humid cloud forest, elfin forest, and forest-páramo ecotones, often associated with Clusia and Ericaceae shrubs.
Species Overview
The Dusky Starfrontlet is a spectacular yet rarely observed Andean hummingbird. For over five decades, it was known only from museum specimens, collected in 1951, until its dramatic rediscovery in 2004 near Urrao, Antioquia. With its dark metallic plumage and glowing emerald breast, it is both elusive and unmistakable — a living emblem of Andean biodiversity and resilience.
Male Description:
The male has dark green upperparts, a deep bluish-green throat, and iridescent green underparts with a bronzy sheen. The crown is duller, appearing blackish in shade, and the tail is dark blue-green. A faint white patch behind the eye is sometimes visible. In good light, the gorget flashes a subtle metallic emerald.
Female Description:
The female is similar but slightly duller, with more brownish underparts and less iridescence on the crown and throat. Her tail is shorter and more rounded.
Habitat & Behavior:
This species inhabits humid montane and cloud forests along steep Andean slopes, favoring the upper understory and forest edge. It feeds on nectar from Bomarea, Clusia, and Ericaceae flowers and occasionally hawks insects in flight. The Dusky Starfrontlet is solitary and shy, typically remaining in dense cover.
Its rediscovery has enabled studies of its behavior and vocalizations, revealing a high-pitched, squeaky song and direct, fast flight typical of Coeligena hummingbirds.
Conservation Note:
Once feared extinct, the Dusky Starfrontlet was rediscovered in 2004 after more than 50 years without confirmed sightings. It is now classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to its very small range and ongoing habitat loss in the Western Andes of Colombia.
Key populations are known from the Colibrí del Sol Bird Reserve (ProAves) and surrounding forests in Antioquia, where conservation initiatives focus on reforestation, habitat protection, and long-term monitoring. The reserve was established specifically to protect this species — a success story in modern Neotropical conservation.
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