Violet-throated Metaltail vs Allen's Hummingbird
Metallura baroni compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Violet-throated Metaltail | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metallura baroni | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 11.4 cm (4.5 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 4.4 g (0.16 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Ecuadorian treeline vegetation; specialized for Ericaceae blooms above 3000 m. Catches small arthropods. | 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
Violet-throated Metaltail
Melodic, flute-like phrase with clear quality; smooth notes flowing pleasantly in quiet sequence at forest edge.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
Geographic Range & Migration
Violet-throated Metaltail
Endemic to a tiny area in the Cajas plateau region of southwestern Ecuador. 3,000–4,200 m. Critically endangered.
Allen's Hummingbird
Breeds along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Partial migrant; some Channel Islands populations resident year-round.
Conservation Status
Violet-throated Metaltail
Allen's Hummingbird
About These Birds
Violet-throated Metaltail
A small hummingbird (9-10 cm) endemic to the Andes of southern Ecuador at 2,500-3,500 m. Males have a violet-purple throat. Nectarivore of cloud forest and páramo edges. Classified as Endangered due to limited range. Named after Baron Erich von Baroni.
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.