Hyacinth Visorbearer vs Great Sapphirewing
Augastes scutatus compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Hyacinth Visorbearer | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Augastes scutatus | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.7 cm (4.2 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 3.3 g (0.12 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Brazilian cerrado flowers, particularly Vellozia and Qualea. Catches small insects near rocky outcrops. | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … |
| 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.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation 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.
Great Sapphirewing
Found in high Andean cloud forests and páramo from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. 2,400–3,800 m.
Conservation Status
Hyacinth Visorbearer
Great Sapphirewing
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.
Great Sapphirewing
A large hummingbird (18 cm, wingspan 28 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Colombia to Bolivia at 2,500-3,500 m. Brilliant sapphire-blue wings, green body, and long tail. One of the largest hummingbirds. Nectarivore of montane forest, visiting large-flowered Ericaceae.