Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem vs Snowcap
Lampornis amethystinus compared with Microchera albocoronata
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem | Snowcap |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampornis amethystinus | Microchera albocoronata |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) | 2.7 g (0.10 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. | Feeds on nectar from low shrubs and forest epiphytes in Central America. Supplements with small … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Pure, sustained flute-like tone held steady; single clear note with barely perceptible vibrato in tropical shade.
Snowcap
High, crystalline notes in bright musical phrase; clear ascending tones cascading smoothly in cheerful display.
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.
Snowcap
Found in humid forests from Honduras to western Panama. Resident in lowland and foothill forest canopy.
Conservation Status
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Snowcap
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.
Snowcap
A tiny hummingbird (6-7 cm) found in humid forests from Honduras to western Panama. Males have a striking white crown cap contrasting with dark purple body, giving the snowcap name. Nectarivore of forest canopy. One of the smallest and most distinctive Central American hummingbirds.