Magnificent Hummingbird vs Purple-throated Carib
Eugenes fulgens compared with Eulampis jugularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Magnificent Hummingbird | Purple-throated Carib |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eugenes fulgens | Eulampis jugularis |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.4 cm (5.7 in) | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) |
| Weight | 7.81 g (0.28 oz) | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American highland forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Supplements with small … | 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
Magnificent Hummingbird
Thin, high-pitched sibilant trill; rapid soft buzzing sustained gently during slow hover near cloud forest flowers.
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Magnificent Hummingbird
Found in montane forest and pine-oak woodland from southwestern USA south through Mexico to Honduras. 1,200–3,500 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
Magnificent Hummingbird
Purple-throated Carib
How to Tell Them Apart
Magnificent Hummingbird
Esmeraldas Woodstar (alt): tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females spotted below
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
About These Birds
Magnificent Hummingbird
A large hummingbird (13 cm) found in highlands from the southwestern United States to Panama. Males have a spectacular magenta-purple gorget, dark green body, and black breast. Nectarivore of mountain meadows and pine-oak forests. Known for its dramatic courtship dive displays.
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.