Andean Emerald vs Purple-throated Carib
Amazilia franciae compared with Eulampis jugularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andean Emerald | Purple-throated Carib |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amazilia franciae | Eulampis jugularis |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.7 cm (4.2 in) | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) |
| Weight | 5.266666666666667 g (0.19 oz) | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of cloud-forest epiphytes in Ecuador and Colombia; supplements diet with insects and spiders. | Nectarivore of Caribbean island forests; bill adapted to visit Heliconia and Brugmansia. Takes small arthropods … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Andean Emerald
Soft, pure whistle with warm melancholy; gentle sustained tone with slight downward inflection at dusk.
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Andean Emerald
Found in Andean cloud forests from Colombia to Peru at 1,000-2,500 m. Resident in montane forest edges.
Purple-throated Carib
Found throughout the Lesser Antilles from Saba to Grenada. Prefers mature forest and flowering trees. Sea level to 800 m.
Conservation Status
Andean Emerald
Purple-throated Carib
How to Tell Them Apart
Andean Emerald
Lesser Coucal: smaller coucal; dark brown above; rufous wings; pale buff-white below; red eye; long graduated dark tail; dimorphic
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
About These Birds
Andean Emerald
A medium-sized hummingbird (9-10 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Colombia to Peru at 1,000-2,500 m. Green plumage with white breast. Nectarivore of forest edges and gardens. Named after the French naturalist Dr. Francius.
Purple-throated Carib
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) endemic to the Lesser Antilles from Saba to St. Vincent. Males have iridescent purple throat and green body. Nectarivore of montane forest and gardens. Larger and more aggressive than Green-throated Carib, dominating flower territories.