Coeligena eos
The Golden-tailed Starfrontlet, *Coeligena eos*, is an exquisitely colored hummingbird endemic to the high-altitude Andes. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 in) in length and weighing around 7 grams, both sexes display a predominantly glittering emerald-green body. Its most striking field mark is the broad, shimmering golden-rufous tail, which contrasts dramatically with its green plumage. Males further boast a brilliant blue-green iridescent 'star' on their forehead, while females ar...
This species primarily inhabits high-altitude humid montane cloud forests and their borders with stunted elfin forest and páramo, typically found between 2,000-3,000 meters (6,500-9,800 feet) elevation.
The primary diet consists of nectar from a variety of high-Andean flowering plants, particularly those with long, tubular blossoms, supplemented with small arthropods like insects and spiders caught by hawking or gleaning.
Golden-tailed Starfrontlets are diurnal and largely solitary, often seen actively foraging throughout the day. They exhibit two main foraging strategies: territorial defense of rich flower patches and 'traplining,' where they visit a circuit of scattered flowers repeatedly. Males are highly terri...
The Golden-tailed Starfrontlet is a resident endemic to the Eastern Andes of Colombia and extreme western Venezuela. In Colombia, its range is confined to the Eastern Cordillera, primarily in the departments of Norte de Santander, Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Meta, extending south to the ...
Least Concern
- Its genus name, *Coeligena*, means "heaven-born" or "heavenly race," reflecting the beauty and high-altitude habitat of these hummingbirds. - The brilliant golden-rufous tail is a key identifier, distinguishing it from all other hummingbirds in its range. - Like many hummingbirds, it can enter ...