Plain-capped Starthroat vs Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Heliomaster constantii compared with Lampornis amethystinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Plain-capped Starthroat | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliomaster constantii | Lampornis amethystinus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) |
| Weight | 7.375 g (0.26 oz) | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American dry and semi-open habitats. Visits large flowers; catches insects … | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Plain-capped Starthroat
High, thin twittering barely audible; delicate cascade of minute notes, poorly documented vocal repertoire.
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Geographic Range & Migration
Plain-capped Starthroat
Found from northwestern Mexico south through Central America to northwestern Costa Rica in dry forest. Sea level to 1,800 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
Plain-capped Starthroat
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
About These Birds
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.
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.