Habitat
High-elevation forest and edge habitats with reliable flowering plants.
forestmontane
Best observation window
Early sunny periods after dawn often improve hummingbird activity.
Species profile
White-tailed Starfrontlet
Coeligena phalerata
Range: endemicIUCN: NTType: hummingbirdWatchability: casual
A highland endemic hummingbird known for striking plumage and energetic flower visitation. It is one of the emblematic high-elevation hummingbirds of the Sierra Nevada.
Signature behavior: Most consistently found by combining early movement, vocal cues, and habitat-focused searching.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (see author/license). Source
Conservation
IUCN status: Near Threatened (NT). Primary risks in the region include habitat loss, fragmentation, and land-use change.
IUCN status source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_starfrontlet
Where to look for it
El Dorado highland gardens and trails
Elevation: high-elevation · Difficulty: moderate
Guide: recommended · Likelihood: strong · Timing: early-morning
San Lorenzo hummingbird-rich elevations
Elevation: high-elevation · Difficulty: hard
Guide: guide-required · Likelihood: strong · Timing: dawn-only
Upper montane routes above Minca
Elevation: mid-elevation · Difficulty: moderate
Guide: recommended · Likelihood: good · Timing: early-morning
