The golden-bellied starfrontlet (Coeligena bonapartei) is a species of hummingbird. The scientific name commemorates Charles Lucien Bonaparte.^[2]

Distribution

This species can be found in Colombia and a small part of Venezuela.^[1][3]

Habitat

Its habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.^[1] It follows a habitual path or "trap-line" with stops at flowering plants such as Bomarea, Cavendishia, Fuchsia, Macleonia, Mutisia, and Palicouria, whose nectar it feeds on. It also catches insects in flight and gleans them off plants. In general its behavior is probably similar to that of the golden starfrontlet, which may be a subspecies of this species.^[3][4]

Description

It averages {{convert|11.4|cm|in}} in length, plus its very long bill ({{convert|3.3|cm|in}}), and {{convert|6.5|g|oz}} in weight. The adult male's crown is blackish with a glittery green patch over the bill (a "frontlet"). Its back is golden-green with a greenish-copper rump. A rufous-buff patch on the tertial wing feathers is conspicuous in flight. The breast glitters green, as does the throat except for a small violet patch in the center. The belly, coppery to reddish gold, glitters intensely. The tail is bronze-green and slightly forked.^[3]

The adult female is similar but duller; the green patch over the bill is matte, the throat is plain buff, and the breast is buff with many green spots. The female also lacks the tertial patch.^[3]

References