Purple-throated Carib vs Plain-capped Starthroat
Eulampis jugularis compared with Heliomaster constantii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Purple-throated Carib | Plain-capped Starthroat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eulampis jugularis | Heliomaster constantii |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) |
| Weight | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) | 7.375 g (0.26 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Caribbean island forests; bill adapted to visit Heliconia and Brugmansia. Takes small arthropods … | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American dry and semi-open habitats. Visits large flowers; catches insects … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Purple-throated Carib
Thin, sibilant twittering with airy quality; light high notes cascading softly in relaxed sequence near flowers.
Plain-capped Starthroat
High, thin twittering barely audible; delicate cascade of minute notes, poorly documented vocal repertoire.
Geographic Range & Migration
Purple-throated Carib
Found throughout the Lesser Antilles from Saba to Grenada. Prefers mature forest and flowering trees. Sea level to 800 m.
Plain-capped Starthroat
Found from northwestern Mexico south through Central America to northwestern Costa Rica in dry forest. Sea level to 1,800 m.
Conservation Status
Purple-throated Carib
Plain-capped Starthroat
How to Tell Them Apart
Purple-throated Carib
Turquoise-throated Puffleg: iridescent violet crown; glittering turquoise gorget; metallic green back; white leg puffs; females duller
Plain-capped Starthroat
Peruvian Sheartail (alt): males with glittering violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
About These Birds
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.
Plain-capped Starthroat
A medium-sized hummingbird (12-13 cm) found in dry to semi-humid habitats from Mexico to Costa Rica. Grey-green plumage with a purple gorget and long bill. Nectarivore of deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and gardens. Often seen at large, nectar-rich flowers.