Brazilian Ruby vs Purple-throated Carib
Clytolaema rubricauda compared with Eulampis jugularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Brazilian Ruby | Purple-throated Carib |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clytolaema rubricauda | Eulampis jugularis |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 13.8 cm (5.4 in) | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) |
| Weight | 7.42 g (0.26 oz) | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Atlantic Forest understory; visits Heliconia and Ericaceae flowers. Supplements diet with small arthropods. | 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
Brazilian Ruby
Explosive, loud whistle cutting through ambient sound; single bold penetrating note repeated with commanding authority.
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Brazilian Ruby
Endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil from Bahia south to Rio Grande do Sul. Found at sea level to 1,200 m.
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
Brazilian Ruby
Purple-throated Carib
How to Tell Them Apart
Brazilian Ruby
Amethyst Woodstar (alt): males with iridescent magenta gorget; metallic green above; white belly; females green above; spotted below
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
About These Birds
Brazilian Ruby
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Males have a brilliant ruby-red throat and breast. Green plumage. Nectarivore of forest and forest edges. A Brazilian endemic of conservation concern due to Atlantic Forest loss.
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.