Scaled Metaltail vs Allen's Hummingbird
Metallura aeneocauda compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Scaled Metaltail | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metallura aeneocauda | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 11.7 cm (4.6 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 5.300000000000001 g (0.19 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Bolivian and Peruvian shrublands; forages at Ericaceae and Lupinus. Supplements with small … | Feeds on nectar from coastal sage scrub and forest flowers in California. Supplements diet with … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Scaled Metaltail
Rapid, bright chips in cheerful sequence; light staccato notes with buoyant quality delivered during foraging activity.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
Geographic Range & Migration
Scaled Metaltail
Found in high Andean scrub and puna from southern Peru south through Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. 3,000–4,800 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
Scaled Metaltail
Allen's Hummingbird
How to Tell Them Apart
Scaled Metaltail
Garnet-throated Hummingbird: males with iridescent violet gorget; metallic green above; garnet-red wings; 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
Scaled Metaltail
A small hummingbird (10-11 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Peru to Bolivia at 2,500-4,000 m. Green plumage with bronze-green tail, appearing scaled. Nectarivore of montane forest and páramo edges. Found in Polylepis woodland and elfin forest.
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.