Blue-fronted Lancebill vs Great Sapphirewing
Doryfera johannae compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Blue-fronted Lancebill | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Doryfera johannae | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.6 cm (4.2 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 4.540000000000001 g (0.16 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of cloud-forest epiphytes and Ericaceae blooms. Catches small arthropods near flowers for additional protein. | 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
Blue-fronted Lancebill
Sharp, high peep followed by rapid twittering; brief introductory note launching into animated cascade of lighter chips.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
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.
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-fronted Lancebill
Great Sapphirewing
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.
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.