Tyrian Metaltail vs Allen's Hummingbird
Metallura tyrianthina compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Tyrian Metaltail | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metallura tyrianthina | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 10.8 cm (4.3 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.72 g (0.13 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean montane shrublands; specializes in Ericaceae and Brachyotum flowers. Catches small insects … | 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
Tyrian Metaltail
Rough, raspy chatter with coarse texture; series of harsh notes with buzzy edges delivered emphatically from perch.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
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.
Allen's Hummingbird
Breeds along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Partial migrant; some Channel Islands populations resident year-round.
Conservation Status
Tyrian Metaltail
Allen's Hummingbird
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.
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.