Rufous-capped Thornbill vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Chalcostigma ruficeps compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Rufous-capped Thornbill | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chalcostigma ruficeps | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 11.6 cm (4.6 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.6666666666666665 g (0.13 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Peruvian and Bolivian puna; forages at Chuquiraga and low shrubs. Catches tiny arthropods. | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Rufous-capped Thornbill
Melodic, descending phrase with warm timbre; clear notes stepping down smoothly in relaxed musical progression.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Geographic Range & Migration
Rufous-capped Thornbill
Found on the eastern Andean slope from Ecuador south to Bolivia in lower montane forest. 1,200–2,600 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
Rufous-capped Thornbill
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
About These Birds
Rufous-capped Thornbill
A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) found in Andean cloud forests and páramo from Ecuador to Bolivia at 2,500-4,000 m. Rufous cap and green plumage. Nectarivore of high-altitude shrubs and Puya bromeliads. Often found near treeline in elfin forest.
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.