Green-throated Carib vs Great Sapphirewing
Eulampis holosericeus compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Green-throated Carib | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eulampis holosericeus | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 11.9 cm (4.7 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 5.916666666666667 g (0.21 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore specializing in Heliconia caribaea and other large-flowered Caribbean plants. Defends territories around nectar sources. | 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
Green-throated Carib
Deep, resonant churring with powerful bass; loud low-frequency trill audible at impressive range across open terrain.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Green-throated Carib
Found throughout the Lesser Antilles from St. Kitts to Grenada in forest, gardens, and scrub. Sea level to 700 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
Green-throated Carib
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Green-throated Carib
A medium-sized hummingbird (11-12 cm) found across the Lesser Antilles from Puerto Rico to Grenada. Bright green plumage with a green throat patch. Nectarivore of gardens, forest edges, and plantations. One of the most common hummingbirds in the eastern Caribbean.
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.