Long-billed Starthroat

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Heliomaster longirostris
  • Spanish Name: Colibrí picolargo
  • Family: Trochilidae
  • Known Nicknames: Long-billed Star-throat
  • Average Length: 11–12 cm / 4.3–4.7 in
  • Average Weight: 6.5–7.1 g / 0.23–0.25 oz
  • Wingspan: 13–15 cm / 5.1–5.9 in
  • Key Feature: Extremely long, straight black bill and a glittering metallic purple-red throat patch (gorget) in males
  • Primary Diet: Nectarivore and Insectivore
  • Range: Southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, southern Brazil, and Bolivia
  • Habitat: Canopy and borders of humid forest, gallery forest, secondary woodland, and gardens
  • Social Structure: Solitary and territorial
  • Nesting/Breeding: Small cup nest made of plant down and lichens, placed on a high, exposed horizontal branch
  • Statut de conservation : Préoccupation mineure (LC)
  • Population Trend: Decreasing

The Long-billed Starthroat (*Heliomaster longirostris*) is a striking, relatively large hummingbird native to the tropical canopy of Central and South America, instantly recognizable by its extraordinarily long, straight black bill. This elegant bird features a shimmering bronze-green back, a glittering blue-green crown, and a distinctive white stripe running down its dark grey underparts, flanked by prominent white facial streaks. Its most spectacular feature, however, is the male's brilliant, star-like magenta-purple throat patch (gorget) that flashes intensely in the sunlight, giving the species its evocative name. Highly agile and energetic, the Long-billed Starthroat uses its specialized bill to probe deep into tubular flowers for nectar and is uniquely adept at "hawking"—performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers to catch insects mid-air.

Faits amusants

This striking hummingbird acts more like a flycatcher than a typical nectar-feeder, frequently launching aerial assaults from high, exposed canopy perches to snatch insects right out of the air. When it does visit flowers, its exceptionally long, straight bill acts like a specialized straw to reach deep nectar reserves other birds can't touch, and it often lazily perches on the bloom to drink rather than wasting energy hovering. To top off these quirky habits, the male boasts a dazzling, iridescent throat patch that shifts dramatically from metallic blue to brilliant magenta depending on the angle of the light, serving as a high-tech solar reflector to impress mates and intimidate rivals.

Habitats et répartition

The geographical range of this species extends from southern Mexico through Central America and deep into South America, reaching as far south as Bolivia and southern Brazil, and including the island of Trinidad. It is primarily a resident throughout its distribution, though it may exhibit local seasonal movements in search of flowering plants.

It primarily inhabits the canopy and edges of humid evergreen forests, semi-deciduous forests, and gallery forests. It also adapts well to disturbed and semi-open environments, frequently occurring in second-growth woodlands, forest clearings, coffee and cacao plantations, and suburban gardens. It is most commonly found in lowland and foothill regions, typically from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,400 meters.

Comportements & Reproduction

Highly solitary and strongly territorial, this species exhibits aggressive behavior, frequently defending rich nectar sources and high, exposed perches from other hummingbirds. Aside from brief encounters during the breeding season, individuals do not form cohesive social groups or long-term pair bonds, preferring a solitary existence. They utilize a "trap-lining" feeding strategy, visiting specific flowering plants in a regular route, but will fiercely guard prime feeding territories when resources are abundant.

During the breeding season, males employ a polygynous mating strategy, performing dramatic aerial courtship displays that involve diving in U-shaped arcs and flashing their brilliant, iridescent throat patches to attract multiple partners. Once mating is complete, the male departs, leaving all nesting duties to the female. She constructs a tiny, cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, moss, and spider silk, camouflaging the exterior with lichen high on a horizontal tree branch. The female solely incubates the typical clutch of two eggs and cares for the hatchlings until they fledge.

Alimentation

The diet of the Long-billed Starthroat consists primarily of nutrient-rich nectar obtained from a wide variety of flowers, supplemented by small insects and spiders for essential protein. An interesting aspect of its feeding behavior is that it is a "trap-liner," meaning it follows a consistent, long-distance route to visit scattered flowers rather than defending a specific feeding territory. Its exceptionally long, straight bill is a highly specialized evolutionary tool that allows it to access nectar from deep, tubular blossoms—such as those of heliconias, bromeliads, and leguminous trees—often high in the forest canopy where other hummingbirds cannot reach. To capture insects like flies, beetles, and wasps, this agile bird frequently engages in "hawking," performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers to snatch prey mid-air, or hovering to pluck spiders directly from their webs.

Couleurs

The Long-billed Starthroat is a striking hummingbird featuring a glittering turquoise crown, a brilliant metallic-magenta throat, and a long, straight black bill. Its upperparts are bronze-green, contrasted by a greyish underbelly with a distinct white stripe running down the center and white flank patches. A white mustache stripe and post-ocular spot break up its facial profile, while its iridescent green back provides camouflage among dappled forest foliage.