Glittering Starfrontlet vs Great Sapphirewing
Coeligena orina compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Glittering Starfrontlet | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coeligena orina | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 6.95 g (0.25 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Colombian cloud forest; forages at dense Ericaceae patches. Catches small flies near … | 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
Glittering Starfrontlet
Sharp, emphatic rattle with forceful onset; rapid dry notes erupting suddenly during active territorial confrontation.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Glittering Starfrontlet
Known from a single locality in western Colombia (Farallones de Citará) at 2,400–3,000 m. Critically endangered.
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 Starfrontlet
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Glittering Starfrontlet
A medium-sized hummingbird (13-14 cm) endemic to the western Andes of Colombia at 3,100-3,500 m. Males have a glittering golden-green forehead. Nectarivore of cloud forest. Critically Endangered due to extremely small known range in the Farallones del Citará.
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.