Peru Bird Species IX: Violet-throated Starfrontlet

Peru Bird Species X: Violet-throated Starfrontlet

	Apodiformes
	Trochilidae
	Coeligena
	Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador ?
	Least Concern

Scientific name: Coeligena violifer

Taxonomy: A hummingbird in the “brilliants” tribe Heliantheini, subfamily Lesbiinae; once placed in Helianthea, now recognized with four subspecies by IOC/Clements, though HBW treats each as a separate species

Subspecies and Range

C. v. dichroura – central Peru (Huánuco region)
C. v. albicaudata – Apurímac valley, southern Peru
C. v. osculans – Cuzco and Puno, Peru
C. v. violifer – La Paz & Cochabamba, Bolivia

Habitat

Cloudforest and elfin forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth; elevational range ~1300–3400 m, depending on subspecies. Frequent visitor in Birds Hotel Molino gardens. One of the hihlights of graden birding with Birding Tours Peru.

Appearance

Size ~13–14 cm, both sexes have long straight black bill and white eye‑spot; males sport a forked tail
Nominate male: Blackish‑blue head, bronzy‑green back, orange‑buff tail, green upper breast with violet throat patch, cinnamon belly
Females have green heads, buff‑spotted throats, darker breasts and similar tail patterns

Feeding

Trap‑lining for nectar from genera such as Vriesea, Bomarea, Fuchsia; also gleans insects from foliage and hawks them

Breeding

Nominate subspecies nests November–January
C. v. albicaudata nests July–August; other subspecies undetailed

Conservation Status

Assessed as Least Concern by IUCN (following HBW split)
Populations are declining due to habitat loss, but species tolerates some disturbed areas

Source: Wikipedia

Photo: Holmes Pantoja

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