Blue-tufted starthroat

At one time the blue-tufted starthroat was the only species in genus Heliomaster, but since the mid-1900s three other species have been reassigned to it.[6] The blue-tufted starthroat is monotypic.[3]

The blue-tufted starthroat is 12.6 to 13 cm (5.0 to 5.1 in) long and weighs 5 to 6.5 g (0.18 to 0.23 oz). Both sexes of all subspecies have a long, decurved, black bill and a small white spot behind the eye. Both have a forked tail but the female's is less deeply indented than the male's. Males in breeding plumage have an emerald green crown, nape, and upper back; the rest of the upperparts are shining coppery green. The throat is glittering violet. The underparts and elongated feathers on the sides of the neck are iridescent ultramarine. The tail is dark green on its upper side and blue-green below. Non-breeding males are grayish below like females. Females have coppery green upperparts. The throat and underparts are gray, with a white line down the middle of the belly and green spots on the flanks. The tail is bronze green above with black tips on the central feathers; it is shining blue-green below with white tips on the outer feathers.[6]

The core of the blue-tufted starthroat's range is eastern Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and northern Uruguay. It has also been documented in Colombia and Peru and has one undocumented sight record in Ecuador.[6][5] It inhabits open landscapes such as forest edges, cerrado, and grasslands.[6]

The IUCN has assessed the blue-tufted starthroat as being of Least Concern, though its population size is unknown and believed to be decreasing. No immediate threats have been identified.[1] It is considered rare to locally common at various parts of its large range and occurs in some protected areas.[6]

• Photo at VIREO