Coeligena orina
The Dusky Starfrontlet (Coeligena orina) is a striking, critically endangered hummingbird endemic to the high-altitude cloud forests of Colombia's Western Andes. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length, males are primarily dusky or bronze-green, punctuated by a dazzling, iridescent violet-blue patch on the forehead-its namesake "starfrontlet"-and a vibrant green gorget, often bisected by a dusky stripe. This vivid frontal patch is a key identifying field mark, standing out...
This species exclusively inhabits humid, high-altitude cloud forests and their edges, extending into páramo scrub, typically found between 2,800 to 3,500 meters (9,200-11,500 ft) elevation.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of high-altitude flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders caught through gleaning or hawking.
Dusky Starfrontlets exhibit typical hummingbird foraging behaviors, primarily feeding on nectar while hovering before flowers, often employing a "trap-lining" strategy where they visit a circuit of flower patches. They are also known to glean small insects and spiders from foliage or catch them i...
The Dusky Starfrontlet possesses an extremely restricted geographic distribution, being endemic solely to the Western Andes of Colombia. Its entire known range is confined to a small region within the Antioquia department, primarily around the municipalities of Jardín and Andes. This species inha...
Critically Endangered
- The Dusky Starfrontlet was considered "lost" to science for over 60 years before its rediscovery in 2004 by ornithologists. - It is one of the most critically endangered hummingbird species in the world, with a tiny and highly fragmented population. - Its dazzling iridescent violet-blue forehea...