Tyrian Metaltail vs Great Sapphirewing
Metallura tyrianthina compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Tyrian Metaltail | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metallura tyrianthina | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.8 cm (4.3 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 3.72 g (0.13 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean montane shrublands; specializes in Ericaceae and Brachyotum flowers. Catches small insects … | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Tyrian Metaltail
Rough, raspy chatter with coarse texture; series of harsh notes with buzzy edges delivered emphatically from perch.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Tyrian Metaltail
Widespread in Andean cloud forests and shrubby páramo from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. 1,800–4,200 m.
Great Sapphirewing
Found in high Andean cloud forests and páramo from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. 2,400–3,800 m.
Conservation Status
Tyrian Metaltail
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Tyrian Metaltail
A small hummingbird (9-10 cm) widely distributed in Andean cloud forests from Venezuela to Bolivia at 1,500-3,500 m. Males have a glittering violet-purple rump and tail. Nectarivore of montane forest. One of the most common and widespread Andean hummingbird species.
Great Sapphirewing
A large hummingbird (18 cm, wingspan 28 cm) found in Andean cloud forests from Colombia to Bolivia at 2,500-3,500 m. Brilliant sapphire-blue wings, green body, and long tail. One of the largest hummingbirds. Nectarivore of montane forest, visiting large-flowered Ericaceae.