White-tailed Starfrontlet
White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata)
Name Origin:
The genus Coeligena comes from Greek koilos (“hollow”) and genea (“cheek”), a reference to the shape of the bill or facial markings in this genus. The species name phalerata is from Latin, meaning “adorned,” referencing the flashy tail and plumage.
Quick Facts
Length: 12.5–13.5 cm (4.9–5.3 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~6–7 g (0.21–0.25 oz)
🌎 Range: Endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, northern Colombia
🛍️ Elevation: 1,400–3,000 m (4,600–9,850 ft)
🌺 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid montane and cloud forest, forest edges, and shrubby clearings
🧬 Clade: Heliantheini “Brilliants”
📊 Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
The White-tailed Starfrontlet is monotypic; no recognized subspecies.
Species Overview
The White-tailed Starfrontlet is a striking, range-restricted hummingbird found only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It stands out with its gleaming white tail, rich green body, and glittering golden-emerald forehead. The species frequents humid montane forest edges and clearings, feeding on nectar from a variety of high-elevation flowers and occasionally sallying for small insects.
Male Description:
Males have iridescent green upperparts, a brilliant blue throat patch, and a bold white tail. The breast is green with a bluish sheen, and the crown is darker. The bill is long, straight, and black.
Female Description:
Females are similar to males but duller, with less iridescence and a pale gray belly. The white tail is prominent, and the throat is bluer but less extensive than in the male.
Habitat & Behavior:
Restricted to cloud forest and shrubby forest edges in the Santa Marta range, this species often feeds at mid to upper levels on native and introduced flowers. Males may aggressively defend feeding territories and can be conspicuous at good flower patches.
Conservation Note:
With a limited distribution and ongoing habitat loss due to agriculture and development, the White-tailed Starfrontlet is classified as Near Threatened. Protecting cloud forests in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is essential to its survival.
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