Buff-winged Starfrontlet

Overview

The buff-winged starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae) is a species of hummingbird within the brilliants tribe, classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is a relatively small bird with a decreasing population, native to the Andes of South America.

Identification

• Approximately 14 cm long, with males weighing 6.9–7.2 g and females around 6.6 g.
• Features a long, black, slightly upturned bill and a distinct white spot behind the eye.
• Males of the nominate subspecies display velvety black upperparts, a glittering green forehead, a violet gorget, and a large cinnamon-buff wing patch; the albimaculata subspecies has almost white wing patches.
• Emits a thin, wiry chatter with rattles during territorial disputes and a characteristic, nasal 'unk' while feeding.

Habitat

Found in the Central Andes of Colombia, through Ecuador, and into far northern Peru, inhabiting cloudforest, elfin forest, and the lower edges of páramo. Elevation ranges from 2,600 to 4,800 m, with the species being most common around 3,000 m.

Diet

Feeds primarily on nectar by trap-lining or defending specific patches of flowers, often clinging to blooms or hovering. It also supplements its diet by capturing small arthropods through gleaning from foliage and hawking.

Did you know?

This species builds a cup nest in a branch fork typically 2 to 4 m above the ground, where the female incubates two eggs for 15 to 17 days.