Rainbow Starfrontlet (Coeligena iris)

Identification & Behavior: ~14 cm (5.5 in). The Rainbow Starfrontlet has a rufous body and tail. The throat and upper breast are iridescent green but vary according to the sub-species. The often multi-colored iridescent cap  varies geographically, from pure green to green with shades of yellow, orange, and blue.  The tail is forked.  The bill is black and straight. It is similar to the Violet-fronted Starfrontlet, but is distinguished a rich rufous plumage, iridescent cap, and pure rufous tail. Several species may be involved.

Status: The Rainbow Starfrontlet is common at the edges of humid montane forest on the west slope of the northern Andes at elevations ranging between 1500-3300 m. It also occurs in Ec.

Name in Spanish: Inca Arcoiris.

Sub-species: Rainbow Starfrontlet (Coeligena iris iris), Gould, 1853. S Ecuador (S from S Azuay) to N Peru (Piura).
(Coeligena iris aurora), Gould, 1853. N Peru (Cutervo, Cerros de Amachonga, in E Cajamarca).
(Coeligena iris fulgidiceps), Simon, 1921.  N Peru E of R Marañón in S Amazonas (Chachapoyas, Tamiapampa, Leimebamba, Levanto).
(Coeligena iris flagrans), J. T. Zimmer, 1951. NW Peru (W slope of W Andes in W Cajamarca).
(Coeligena iris eva), Salvin, 1897. N Peru W of R Marañón on E slope of W Andes (SE Cajamarca, La Libertad, Ancash).

Meaning of Name: Coeligena:  L. coelum or caelum=  heaven and gignere=  to bring forth. iris: Gr. iris, iridos= rainbow.

See more of the Family Trochilidae