Hyacinth Visorbearer vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Augastes scutatus compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Hyacinth Visorbearer | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Augastes scutatus | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.7 cm (4.2 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.3 g (0.12 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Brazilian cerrado flowers, particularly Vellozia and Qualea. Catches small insects near rocky outcrops. | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Hyacinth Visorbearer only
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem only
None
Song & Call Comparison
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Soft, pure sustained tone with gentle vibrato; single melodic note trembling slightly, typical of quiet upland forest perches.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
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.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Found in montane forest from Mexico south through Guatemala and Honduras to El Salvador. 1,000–3,200 m.
Conservation Status
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
How to Tell Them Apart
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Velvet-purple Coronet: brilliant velvety purple head; glittering green gorget; iridescent purple body; white underparts; straight bill
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Bumblebee Hummingbird: tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
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.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) found in mountain forests from Mexico to Honduras at 1,000-3,000 m. Males have an amethyst-purple throat. Nectarivore of pine-oak and cloud forest. Commonly visits feeders in Mexican highland gardens.