Blue-tufted Starthroat

An elegant and medium-sized member of the Trochilidae family, this bird is characterized by its exceptionally long, black, and almost straight bill, which measures around 3 centimeters. It measures between 12.6 and 13 centimeters in total length and shows pronounced sexual dimorphism. The adult male features a brilliant bronzy-green upper plumage, while its throat gleams with a vibrant metallic violet-blue shield, flanked by elongated, tufted feathers of a striking crimson-red color. Its breast and belly are a glittering bluish-green, offset by white tufts on the flanks and thighs. Conversely, the female displays a shining green back and predominantly grayish-white underparts with dark mottling on the throat, accompanied by a less forked tail tipped with white on the outer rectrices.

Geographical distribution: This species is native to the south-central regions of South America. Its geographic range extends from central and eastern Bolivia, across south-central Brazil (notably within the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Rio Grande do Sul), throughout the territory of Paraguay, into western Uruguay, and across northern and central Argentina, where its southernmost migratory records reach the provinces of Buenos Aires and La Pampa.

Habitat: It primarily frequents semi-open biomes, such as deciduous woodlands, scrublands, dry forest edges within the Chaco region, savannas with scattered trees, and anthropized areas including suburban gardens and agricultural lands. It is predominantly a lowland species, though it can occasionally be found on dry, bushy slopes up to elevations of 1500 meters above sea level.

Feeding: Feeding behaviors are highly specialized, relying on nectar as the primary energy source, supplemented by small arthropods. It feeds on a diverse array of tubular flowers, particularly favoring species from the Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae (such as Erythrina species), and Bignoniaceae families. It retrieves nectar while hovering and actively hunts flying insects, utilizing aerial hawking maneuvers to capture prey mid-air.

Behavior: Known for its highly territorial nature, it aggressively defends rich nectar sources from co-occurring hummingbirds. Its flight is fast, direct, and powerful. It frequently perches on high, exposed, dead branches to survey its territory, uttering sharp, metallic chirps. It is a southern migratory species, traveling northward during the austral autumn and winter to escape colder temperatures before returning south to breed.

Nesting: The reproductive cycle is managed entirely by the female, who constructs a cup-shaped nest. This small, compact structure is built from soft plant downs, mosses, and lichens, tightly bound together with spider silk to allow for expansion as the chicks grow. The nest is typically placed on a thin, horizontal branch. The clutch size consists of two white eggs incubated for approximately 15 to 18 days. The altricial chicks are fed exclusively by the mother via regurgitation.

Conservation status: This taxon is currently listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Although its natural habitats suffer from fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, its population remains stable, benefited by its high adaptability to human-modified landscapes, city parks, and ornamental gardens.