Purple-throated Carib vs Perija Metaltail
Eulampis jugularis compared with Metallura iracunda
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Purple-throated Carib | Perija Metaltail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eulampis jugularis | Metallura iracunda |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.3 cm (5.6 in) | 11.6 cm (4.6 in) |
| Weight | 9.316666666666666 g (0.33 oz) | 3.8499999999999996 g (0.14 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Caribbean island forests; bill adapted to visit Heliconia and Brugmansia. Takes small arthropods … | Nectarivore of Colombian cloud forest edges; forages at Ericaceae and epiphyte flowers. Supplements with small … |
| 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.
Perija Metaltail
Soft, liquid notes with gentle character; mellow flowing sequence with subtle melodic variation in humid forest.
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.
Perija Metaltail
Endemic to the Serranía de Perijá on the Colombia–Venezuela border in cloud forest. 2,000–3,200 m. Restricted range.
Conservation Status
Purple-throated Carib
Perija Metaltail
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
Perija Metaltail
Plain-capped Starthroat: males iridescent magenta gorget; metallic bronze-green above; white flanks; females green above; spotted below
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.
Perija Metaltail
A small hummingbird (9-10 cm) endemic to the Sierra de Perijá on the Colombia-Venezuela border at 2,400-3,200 m. Males have purple-red tail. Nectarivore of cloud forest. Classified as Endangered due to extremely restricted range and ongoing deforestation.