Golden-bellied Starfrontlet vs Viridian Metaltail
Coeligena bonapartei compared with Metallura williami
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Golden-bellied Starfrontlet | Viridian Metaltail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coeligena bonapartei | Metallura williami |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 15.0 cm (5.9 in) | 11.5 cm (4.5 in) |
| Weight | 6.800000000000001 g (0.24 oz) | 4.6 g (0.16 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Colombian and Venezuelan cloud forest; forages at Ericaceae and Clusia. Takes small insects … | Nectarivore of Ecuadorian and Colombian montane shrubs; visits Brachyotum and Ericaceae. Gleans tiny insects from … |
| 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.
Viridian Metaltail
Sharp, emphatic chip repeated rapidly; clean staccato note with forceful attack given insistently near territory.
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.
Viridian Metaltail
Found in cloud forests and páramo of Colombia and Ecuador on both Andean slopes. 2,400–4,000 m elevation.
Conservation Status
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
Viridian Metaltail
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
Viridian Metaltail
Blue-throated Mountain-gem: tiny; males with brilliant blue gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; 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.
Viridian Metaltail
A small hummingbird (9-10 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Colombia to Ecuador at 2,000-3,500 m. Males have a glittering green tail. Nectarivore of montane forest edges and flowering shrubs. Named after the British naturalist M.C. William.