Sapphire-vented Puffleg vs Purple-throated Carib
Eriocnemis luciani compared with Eulampis jugularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Sapphire-vented Puffleg | Purple-throated Carib |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eriocnemis luciani | Eulampis jugularis |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) |
| Weight | 6.050000000000001 g (0.21 oz) | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Ecuadorian and Peruvian Ericaceae-rich cloud forest. Catches small arthropods from mossy bark near … | Nectarivore of Caribbean island forests; bill adapted to visit Heliconia and Brugmansia. Takes small arthropods … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Melodic, descending whistle with clear timbre; smooth pure tones stepping downward gracefully in high-altitude morning.
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Widespread in high Andean cloud forests from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. 2,400–4,200 m.
Purple-throated Carib
Found throughout the Lesser Antilles from Saba to Grenada. Prefers mature forest and flowering trees. Sea level to 800 m.
Conservation Status
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Purple-throated Carib
How to Tell Them Apart
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Rufous-webbed Brilliant: tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
About These Birds
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
A small hummingbird (11-12 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Colombia to Bolivia at 2,500-3,800 m. Green plumage with sapphire-blue vent and white leg puffs. Nectarivore of montane forest and páramo edges. Relatively common along the Andes.
Purple-throated Carib
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) endemic to the Lesser Antilles from Saba to St. Vincent. Males have iridescent purple throat and green body. Nectarivore of montane forest and gardens. Larger and more aggressive than Green-throated Carib, dominating flower territories.