Magnificent Hummingbird vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Eugenes fulgens compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Magnificent Hummingbird | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eugenes fulgens | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.4 cm (5.7 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 7.81 g (0.28 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American highland forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Supplements with small … | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans 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.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
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.
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
Magnificent Hummingbird
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
How to Tell Them Apart
Magnificent Hummingbird
Esmeraldas Woodstar (alt): tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females spotted below
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Bumblebee Hummingbird: tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
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.
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.