Ecuadorian Hillstar vs Great Sapphirewing
Oreotrochilus chimborazo compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Ecuadorian Hillstar | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oreotrochilus chimborazo | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.8 cm (5.8 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 8.383333333333333 g (0.30 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Ecuadorian highland páramo; visits Chuquiraga jussieui and Puya. Takes small insects on cold … | 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
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Harsh, grating screech with urgent tone; sudden loud rough call given sharply during aerial chase sequences.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Endemic to Chimborazo and neighboring volcanoes in Ecuador in high páramo at 3,500–5,200 m. Nationally iconic.
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
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Ecuadorian Hillstar
A medium-sized hummingbird (12-13 cm) endemic to the highlands of Ecuador at 3,500-5,200 m, notably on Chimborazo volcano. Males have a violet-blue hood and white breast. One of the world's highest-living birds, adapted to extreme altitude with enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity.
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.