Hyacinth Visorbearer vs Purple-throated Carib
Augastes scutatus compared with Eulampis jugularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Hyacinth Visorbearer | Purple-throated Carib |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Augastes scutatus | 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 | 3.3 g (0.12 oz) | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Brazilian cerrado flowers, particularly Vellozia and Qualea. Catches small insects near rocky outcrops. | 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
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Soft, pure sustained tone with gentle vibrato; single melodic note trembling slightly, typical of quiet upland forest perches.
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Endemic to the campo rupestre of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Found at 900–1,600 m elevation.
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
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Purple-throated Carib
How to Tell Them Apart
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Velvet-purple Coronet: brilliant velvety purple head; glittering green gorget; iridescent purple body; white underparts; straight bill
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
About These Birds
Hyacinth Visorbearer
A small hummingbird (8-9 cm) endemic to the highlands of southeastern Brazil, particularly Minas Gerais. Iridescent hyacinth-blue forehead visor and green plumage. Nectarivore of rocky campo rupestre habitats with sparse vegetation. Classified as Near Threatened.
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.