Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem vs Buffy Helmetcrest
Lampornis amethystinus compared with Oxypogon stuebelii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem | Buffy Helmetcrest |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampornis amethystinus | Oxypogon stuebelii |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) | 11.1 cm (4.4 in) |
| Weight | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) | 5.4 g (0.19 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. | Nectarivore of high páramo and superparamo; visits sparse Espeletia and Chuquiraga flowers in harsh conditions. … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Buffy Helmetcrest
Pure, sustained flute-like tone; single clear note held steadily then fading, warm and round in quiet forest shade.
Geographic Range & Migration
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Found in montane forest from Mexico south through Guatemala and Honduras to El Salvador. 1,000–3,200 m.
Buffy Helmetcrest
Endemic to the Ruiz-Tolima volcanic massif of Colombia in high páramo at 3,800–4,800 m. Locally common.
Conservation Status
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Buffy Helmetcrest
About These Birds
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.
Buffy Helmetcrest
A small hummingbird (11-12 cm) endemic to the central Andes of Colombia at 3,500-4,500 m. Males have a striking erect crest and buffy beard. Nectarivore of high-altitude páramo, visiting Espeletia frailejón plants. Named after the German explorer Alphons Stübel.