Stripe-breasted Starthroat
Stripe-breasted Starthroat (Heliomaster squamosus)
Name Origin:
The genus Heliomaster combines the Greek hēlios meaning “sun” and mastēr meaning “one who controls” or “master,” a nod to the bird's brilliant iridescence. The species epithet squamosus means “scaly” in Latin, referencing the scale-like feather pattern on its throat and breast.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~5.0–6.0 g (0.18–0.21 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to eastern Brazil, primarily in the Atlantic Forest from Bahia to São Paulo
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to 1,000 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Semi-open forest, forest edge, cerrado, gardens, and degraded woodland
🧬 Clade: Lampornithini (“Mountain-gems”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
This species is monotypic (no recognized subspecies).
Species Overview
The Stripe-breasted Starthroat is a striking Brazilian endemic with vivid iridescent plumage and bold throat markings. Males have a glittering violet crown, a dark green back, and a scaly white and green throat separated by a bold horizontal white chest band. The underparts are dusky with green sides. Females are duller but retain the distinctive chest band and pale underparts.
Male Description:
Shining violet crown and gorget, black face stripe, white chest band, and dusky flanks with green sheen. Bill is straight and black.
Female Description:
Lacks the iridescent crown and gorget, has grayish underparts with similar white chest band. Throat is faintly speckled.
Habitat & Behavior:
Prefers semi-open or disturbed forest, including forest edges, plantations, and gardens. Often found perched in open areas and feeding at canopy-level flowers. Males may defend flower patches but are not aggressively territorial. Known for fast, direct flight and brief hovering bouts while feeding.
Conservation Note:
Although localized and endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the Stripe-breasted Starthroat is currently listed as Least Concern due to its relatively wide regional range and ability to use degraded habitats. Continued forest loss could pose long-term risks, but the species persists well in modified landscapes.
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