Glittering-throated Emerald vs Great Sapphirewing
Chionomesa fimbriata compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Glittering-throated Emerald | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chionomesa fimbriata | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 4.766666666666667 g (0.17 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore probing tubular flowers in humid forest. Supplements nectar diet with small insects and spiders … | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Glittering-throated Emerald only
Great Sapphirewing only
Song & Call Comparison
Glittering-throated Emerald
Buzzy, high-pitched insect-like trill; sustained rapid vibration with minimal melodic content near blossoms.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Glittering-throated Emerald
Widely distributed from Colombia through Amazonia to Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. Resident in varied habitats.
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
Glittering-throated Emerald
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Glittering-throated Emerald
A medium-sized hummingbird (10-11 cm) widely distributed from Colombia through Amazonia to Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. Glittering green throat with white fringes creating a spangled effect. Nectarivore of forest edges, gardens, and open habitats.
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.