Blue-throated Starfrontlet vs Great Sapphirewing
Coeligena helianthea compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Blue-throated Starfrontlet | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coeligena helianthea | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 6.775 g (0.24 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Venezuelan Andean cloud forest; forages at Ericaceae and Brachyotum. Catches small arthropods near … | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Blue-throated Starfrontlet
Melodic, ascending scale of clear notes; bright flute-like tones climbing smoothly in morning territorial singing.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Blue-throated Starfrontlet
Found in cloud forests of the eastern and central Andes of Colombia and adjacent Venezuela. 2,000–3,000 m.
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
Blue-throated Starfrontlet
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Blue-throated Starfrontlet
A medium-sized hummingbird (14-15 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Venezuela to Colombia at 1,800-3,000 m. Males have a glittering blue throat and iridescent violet-blue forehead. Nectarivore of montane forest and forest edges. One of the most colorful incas.
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.