Royal Sunangel vs Allen's Hummingbird
Heliangelus regalis compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Royal Sunangel | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliangelus regalis | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.4 cm (4.1 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.95 g (0.14 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of restricted Andean endemism zone; forages at sparse Ericaceae and Gentianaceae blooms. Supplements with … | Feeds on nectar from coastal sage scrub and forest flowers in California. Supplements diet with … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Royal Sunangel
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing quality; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near blossoms.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
Geographic Range & Migration
Royal Sunangel
Endemic to a small area of the Río Marañón drainage in northern Peru at 1,800–2,800 m. Critically endangered.
Allen's Hummingbird
Breeds along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Partial migrant; some Channel Islands populations resident year-round.
Conservation Status
Royal Sunangel
Allen's Hummingbird
How to Tell Them Apart
Royal Sunangel
Fire-throated Metaltail: males with glittering fire-red gorget; metallic green above; white pectoral tufts; females green with spots below
Allen's Hummingbird
Fiery-throated Hummingbird (alt): males with brilliant multicolored gorget; metallic green above; females duller; pale buff below
About These Birds
Royal Sunangel
A stunning hummingbird (10-12 cm) endemic to a tiny range in the northern Peruvian Andes at 1,500-2,500 m. Males have a brilliant deep blue throat and forked tail. Classified as Endangered due to extremely restricted range in the Cordillera del Cóndor. Nectarivore of cloud forest.
Allen's Hummingbird
A small hummingbird (8-9 cm) breeding along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Males have an orange-red throat and rufous flanks. Closely related to Rufous Hummingbird. Partial migrant; some populations resident on Channel Islands. Named after Thomas Allen.