Golden-bellied Starfrontlet vs Andean Hillstar
Coeligena bonapartei compared with Oreotrochilus estella
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Golden-bellied Starfrontlet | Andean Hillstar |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coeligena bonapartei | Oreotrochilus estella |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 15.0 cm (5.9 in) | 14.4 cm (5.7 in) |
| Weight | 6.800000000000001 g (0.24 oz) | 8.299999999999999 g (0.29 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Colombian and Venezuelan cloud forest; forages at Ericaceae and Clusia. Takes small insects … | Nectarivore of high-altitude puna and páramo; specializes in Chuquiraga and Puya flowers. Catches small insects … |
| 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.
Andean Hillstar
High, wavering trill with trembling quality; rapid series of notes with slight pitch modulation giving vibrato effect.
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.
Andean Hillstar
Widespread in Andean puna of southern Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina at 3,000–5,000 m. Resident.
Conservation Status
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
Andean Hillstar
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
Andean Hillstar
Santa Marta Woodstar: tiny; males with brilliant magenta-red gorget; metallic green crown; white underparts; females green above 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.
Andean Hillstar
A medium-sized hummingbird (12-14 cm) found in the high Andes from Peru to Argentina and Chile at 3,500-5,000 m. Green plumage with a white breast. One of the highest-living hummingbird species, entering torpor at night to survive freezing temperatures. Nectarivore of Chuquiraga and cacti.