Velvet-browed Brilliant vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Heliodoxa xanthogonys compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Velvet-browed Brilliant | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliodoxa xanthogonys | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 12.6 cm (5.0 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 6.833333333333333 g (0.24 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore visiting Ericaceae, Fuchsia, and other montane flowers in Andean cloud forest. Takes small insects … | 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
Velvet-browed Brilliant
High, shrill screaming call with carrying quality; piercing notes audible at distance across open Andean hillsides.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Geographic Range & Migration
Velvet-browed Brilliant
Endemic to the tepuis of Venezuela and adjacent Guyana and Brazil in high-altitude forest. 1,200–2,600 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
Velvet-browed Brilliant
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
How to Tell Them Apart
Velvet-browed Brilliant
Blue-fronted Lancebill: males with iridescent blue forehead; magenta gorget; metallic green; females green above; spotted buff 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
Velvet-browed Brilliant
A medium-sized hummingbird (12-13 cm) found in tepui highlands of southern Venezuela and adjacent Guyana. Green plumage with a velvety dark forehead. Nectarivore of tepui forest edges. A Pantepui endemic of very restricted range. Poorly studied.
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.