Example embodiments relate to compact luminaire heads. One example luminaire head includes a thermally conductive metal body that includes a plate-like portion, a tube portion, and at least one cooling fin. The plate-like portion extends in a longitudinal direction of the metal body and having a flat first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The tube portion extends in the longitudinal direction at the second surface. The at least one cooling fin extends away from the second surface adjacent to the tube portion. The luminaire head also includes at least one support substrate with a plurality of light emitting elements. The at least one support substrate is arranged against the first surface. The tube portion is shaped to receive in a first open end thereof a rigid cylindrical end portion of a mounting base, such as a pole for the luminaire head.