Rufous-breasted Sabrewing vs Purple-throated Carib
Campylopterus hyperythrus compared with Eulampis jugularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Rufous-breasted Sabrewing | Purple-throated Carib |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Campylopterus hyperythrus | Eulampis jugularis |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 12.6 cm (5.0 in) | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) |
| Weight | 6.016666666666667 g (0.21 oz) | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of tepui cloud forest; feeds at bromeliads and flowering trees. Supplements with insects and … | 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
Rufous-breasted Sabrewing
Melodic, ascending scale of clear notes; bright flute-like tones climbing smoothly in pleasant morning song.
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Rufous-breasted Sabrewing
Found in montane forests from Venezuela to Bolivia at 1,000-2,500 m elevation. Resident in Andean cloud forest.
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
Rufous-breasted Sabrewing
Purple-throated Carib
How to Tell Them Apart
Rufous-breasted Sabrewing
Violaceous Turaco: brilliant violet-purple body; crimson flight feathers; white and red orbital markings; striking contrast plumage
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
About These Birds
Rufous-breasted Sabrewing
A large hummingbird (12-13 cm) found in montane forests from Venezuela to Bolivia at 1,000-2,500 m. Green plumage with a rufous breast. Thickened outer primaries. Nectarivore of cloud forest undergrowth, visiting Heliconia flowers.
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.