Blue-fronted Lancebill vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Doryfera johannae compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Blue-fronted Lancebill | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Doryfera johannae | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.6 cm (4.2 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 4.540000000000001 g (0.16 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of cloud-forest epiphytes and Ericaceae blooms. Catches small arthropods near flowers for additional protein. | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Blue-fronted Lancebill
Sharp, high peep followed by rapid twittering; brief introductory note launching into animated cascade of lighter chips.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Geographic Range & Migration
Blue-fronted Lancebill
Found in lowland and foothill forests from southern Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. Sea level to 1,200 m.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Found in montane forest from Mexico south through Guatemala and Honduras to El Salvador. 1,000–3,200 m.
Conservation Status
Blue-fronted Lancebill
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
How to Tell Them Apart
Blue-fronted Lancebill
Dot-eared Coquette: males with elongated tufted black crest; glittering blue-green gorget; bronze-green back; females with rufous crown patch
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Bumblebee Hummingbird: tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
About These Birds
Blue-fronted Lancebill
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) with a very long, straight bill. Green plumage with a blue-violet forehead. Found in humid montane forests from Venezuela to Bolivia at 600-1,800 m. Nectarivore specializing in long-tubed flowers. Named for its lance-like bill.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) found in mountain forests from Mexico to Honduras at 1,000-3,000 m. Males have an amethyst-purple throat. Nectarivore of pine-oak and cloud forest. Commonly visits feeders in Mexican highland gardens.