Rufous-capped Thornbill vs Great Sapphirewing
Chalcostigma ruficeps compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Rufous-capped Thornbill | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chalcostigma ruficeps | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 11.6 cm (4.6 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 3.6666666666666665 g (0.13 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Peruvian and Bolivian puna; forages at Chuquiraga and low shrubs. Catches tiny arthropods. | 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
Rufous-capped Thornbill
Melodic, descending phrase with warm timbre; clear notes stepping down smoothly in relaxed musical progression.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
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.
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
Rufous-capped Thornbill
Great Sapphirewing
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.
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.