About Heliomaster squamosus (Temminck, 1823)
Taxonomy
The stripe-breasted starthroat (scientific name Heliomaster squamosus (Temminck, 1823)) measures 11.2 to 12.4 cm (4.4 to 4.9 in) long and weighs 5 to 6.5 g (0.18 to 0.23 oz).
Shared Physical Traits
Both sexes share several physical traits: a long, slightly curved downward black bill, a white streak behind the eye, a white "moustache", and a forked tail. The female's tail is less deeply forked than the male's.
Breeding Male Upperparts
Breeding-plumage males have bronzy green upperparts and an iridescent green crown.
Breeding Male Underparts & Tail
They have a glittering violet gorget with flaring sides, greenish-black underparts with a white stripe running down the center, black central tail feathers, and dark blue-green outer tail feathers.
Non-breeding Male Plumage
After the breeding season, the male's throat molts to grayish feathers with black spots.
Female Upperparts
Female upperparts match those of breeding males.
Female Throat & Underparts
Female throat feathers are blackish green with white edges. Their chest and belly are grayish with a central white stripe, and their flanks are greenish.
Female Tail
Females have green tails; the outer tail feathers have a steel blue band near the tip and white tips.
Core Distribution
The stripe-breasted starthroat is distributed in eastern Brazil, ranging from Pernambuco in the north south to São Paulo state.
Vagrant Records
It has also been recorded as a vagrant in Iguazú National Park, Argentina.
Habitat & Elevation
It lives in forest and savannah habitats at elevations between sea level and 800 m (2,600 ft).
