Plain-capped Starthroat vs Allen's Hummingbird
Heliomaster constantii compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Plain-capped Starthroat | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliomaster constantii | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 7.375 g (0.26 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American dry and semi-open habitats. Visits large flowers; catches insects … | Feeds on nectar from coastal sage scrub and forest flowers in California. Supplements diet with … |
| 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.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
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.
Allen's Hummingbird
Breeds along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Partial migrant; some Channel Islands populations resident year-round.
Conservation Status
Plain-capped Starthroat
Allen's Hummingbird
How to Tell Them Apart
Plain-capped Starthroat
Peruvian Sheartail (alt): males with glittering violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
Allen's Hummingbird
Fiery-throated Hummingbird (alt): males with brilliant multicolored gorget; metallic green above; females duller; pale buff below
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.
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.