Sparkling Violetear vs Great Sapphirewing
Colibri coruscans compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Sparkling Violetear | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colibri coruscans | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 15.1 cm (5.9 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 6.683333333333334 g (0.24 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore ranging widely across forest canopy and edges. Defends flowering trees; catches small insects in … | 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
Sparkling Violetear
Deep, resonant buzz with hollow quality; low-pitched churring sound vibrating softly through broad-leaved forest.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Sparkling Violetear
Widespread in Andean highlands from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Found at 1,500–4,200 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
Sparkling Violetear
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Sparkling Violetear
A medium-sized hummingbird (13-14 cm) with glittering green plumage and violet ear patches. Found widely across the Andes from Venezuela to Argentina at 1,500-4,500 m. Nectarivore, one of the most abundant and conspicuous hummingbirds in Andean gardens and forest edges.
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.