The White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata) is a species of hummingbird found in South America. With its striking white tail feathers and iridescent throat, it is one of the most recognizable hummingbirds in its range.
Physical Description
The White-tailed starfrontlet is a medium-sized hummingbird, measuring about 10-12 cm in length and weighing 5-8 grams. The male has metallic green upperparts and white underparts. Its most distinctive feature is its forked tail, with elongated white outer tail feathers that can measure up to 5 cm. The female is slightly duller, with grayish-brown upperparts and whitish underparts with green spots on the throat. Both sexes have a medium-long black bill.
Geographic Range and Habitat
The White-tailed starfrontlet is found along the Andes mountains in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela. Its habitat is montane forest and woodland edges at elevations between 1800-3600 m. It prefers areas with plenty of flowering plants and a dense understory.
Feeding Habits
Like all hummingbirds, the White-tailed starfrontlet feeds on nectar from flowers using its long extendable tongue. It takes nectar by licking it with its forked tongue while hovering in front of the flower. It also catches small insects on the wing to obtain protein. Some favorite flowers include fuchsia, lobelia, and other tubular blossoms. The birds use their slender bills to access the nectar at the base of the flowers.
Behavior and Life Cycle
The White-tailed starfrontlet is solitary and territorial. Males establish feeding territories and perform aerial displays to attract females or drive away intruders. Their display consists of flying in an oval pattern while making buzzing sounds with their tail feathers. After mating, the female builds a small cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, lichen and moss on a branch or tree trunk. She incubates the two white eggs for about 16 days. The chicks hatch with closed eyes and very little down. Both parents feed the young regurgitated food and care for them for about 20-25 days until they fledge.
Threats and Conservation Status
The White-tailed starfrontlet is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its relatively large range. However, some local populations are threatened by habitat loss from logging, agriculture and human settlement. Climate change may also shift and reduce its high montane habitat. While still reasonably common, more habitat protection and limits on deforestation are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this unique and colorful hummingbird.
Interesting Facts
– The male’s elongated tail feathers produce a buzzing or humming sound during courtship displays, possibly to attract females.
– It can flap its wings up to 70 times per second and fly straight up, down, backwards and upside down! This maneuverability allows it to access flowers and evade predators.
– Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any homeothermic animal. To conserve energy at night they go into a hibernation-like state called torpor.
– Like all hummingbirds, it has a specialized long tongue for drinking nectar from flowers. The tongue even has fringed tips to help lap up liquid.
– To remember favorite feeding locations, hummingbirds have an excellent spatial memory and navigate using visual cues.
– These energetic little birds play a key role in pollination and keeping flower populations healthy across the Andes.
In summary, the White-tailed starfrontlet is a spectacular hummingbird adapted to life in the montane forests of South America. With its shimmering plumage and remarkable flying talents, it captures the imagination of nature lovers around the world. While not currently threatened, protecting its specialized high altitude habitat will be crucial to ensuring the White-tailed starfrontlet continues to dazzle future generations with its beauty. With further research and conservation, this charismatic species will hopefully remain an iconic part of the incredible biodiversity of the Andean region.