Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem vs Garnet-throated Hummingbird
Lampornis amethystinus compared with Lamprolaima rhami
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem | Garnet-throated Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampornis amethystinus | Lamprolaima rhami |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) | 15.6 cm (6.1 in) |
| Weight | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) | 7.55 g (0.27 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American cloud forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia at high elevations. … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem only
None
Garnet-throated Hummingbird only
None
Song & Call Comparison
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Garnet-throated Hummingbird
Deep, hollow churr with resonant bass; low-frequency buzzing sound vibrating through dense Andean cloud forest.
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.
Garnet-throated Hummingbird
Found in highland forest from southern Mexico through Guatemala and Honduras to El Salvador. 1,200–2,800 m.
Conservation Status
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Garnet-throated Hummingbird
How to Tell Them Apart
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Bumblebee Hummingbird: tiny; males with brilliant violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; females green above; spotted
Garnet-throated Hummingbird
Napo Sabrewing: males with brilliant magenta gorget; metallic green above; white belly; females green above; pale spotted buff below
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.
Garnet-throated Hummingbird
A medium-sized hummingbird (12-13 cm) found in cloud forests from southern Mexico to Honduras at 1,200-3,000 m. Males have a striking garnet-red throat and amethyst breast. Green plumage with rufous wings. Nectarivore of cloud forest. One of the most beautiful Mesoamerican hummingbirds.