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

Shared Habitats

Blue-fronted Lancebill only

None

Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Blue-fronted Lancebill

Song

Sharp, high peep followed by rapid twittering; brief introductory note launching into animated cascade of lighter chips.

Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem

Song

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

Least Concern

Blue-fronted Lancebill

Least Concern

Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem

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.

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