Emerald-bellied Puffleg vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Eriocnemis aline compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Emerald-bellied Puffleg | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eriocnemis aline | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 9.9 cm (3.9 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.75 g (0.13 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Peruvian and Bolivian montane forest; forages at Ericaceae and epiphytic orchids. Takes small … | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Emerald-bellied Puffleg
Rapid, light twittering cascade; high airy notes tumbling quickly in animated sequence during competitive interaction.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Geographic Range & Migration
Emerald-bellied Puffleg
Found on the eastern Andean slope from Peru to Bolivia in lower montane cloud forest at 900–2,200 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
Emerald-bellied Puffleg
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
How to Tell Them Apart
Emerald-bellied Puffleg
Gorgeted Puffleg: males with glittering blue-violet gorget; metallic green above; large white leg puffs; females green above; spots
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Bumblebee Hummingbird: tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
About These Birds
Emerald-bellied Puffleg
A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Venezuela to Bolivia at 2,000-3,200 m. Green plumage with emerald-green belly and white leg puffs. Nectarivore of montane forest and forest edges. A widespread Andean cloud forest species.
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.