Golden-bellied Starfrontlet vs Turquoise-throated Puffleg
Coeligena bonapartei compared with Eriocnemis godini
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Golden-bellied Starfrontlet | Turquoise-throated Puffleg |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coeligena bonapartei | Eriocnemis godini |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 15.0 cm (5.9 in) | 11.8 cm (4.6 in) |
| Weight | 6.800000000000001 g (0.24 oz) | 5.06 g (0.18 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Colombian and Venezuelan cloud forest; forages at Ericaceae and Clusia. Takes small insects … | Nectarivore of Colombian cloud forest; extremely restricted range. Forages at Ericaceae; supplements with small arthropods. |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
High, crystalline twittering with silvery sheen; rapid light notes cascading brightly in active display sequences.
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
Soft, pure whistle with melodic inflection; gentle ascending note curving smoothly upward, rarely documented vocally.
Geographic Range & Migration
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
Found in cloud forest of the eastern Andes of Colombia and western Venezuela at 1,800–2,800 m.
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
Historically known from Ecuador and possibly Colombia; possibly extinct or near-extinct. Last confirmed records from Imbabura at 2,400–2,800 m.
Conservation Status
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
How to Tell Them Apart
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
Green-headed Hillstar: males with glittering green head; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted buff below
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
Violet-chested Hummingbird: males with glittering deep purple gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green with spots
About These Birds
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
A medium-sized hummingbird (13-14 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Venezuela to Colombia at 1,800-3,200 m. Males have a golden-yellow belly and iridescent green forehead. Nectarivore of montane forest and forest edges.
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) known only from historical specimens collected in the 19th century in Colombia or Ecuador. No confirmed modern records. Classified as Critically Endangered, possibly extinct. Turquoise throat (specimens) distinguishes it from other pufflegs.