Ecuadorian Hillstar vs Allen's Hummingbird
Oreotrochilus chimborazo compared with Selasphorus sasin
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Ecuadorian Hillstar | Allen's Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oreotrochilus chimborazo | Selasphorus sasin |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 14.8 cm (5.8 in) | 8.1 cm (3.2 in) |
| Weight | 8.383333333333333 g (0.30 oz) | 3.1500000000000004 g (0.11 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Ecuadorian highland páramo; visits Chuquiraga jussieui and Puya. Takes small insects on cold … | 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
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Harsh, grating screech with urgent tone; sudden loud rough call given sharply during aerial chase sequences.
Allen's Hummingbird
Deep, resonant churring trill; prolonged low buzzing sound carrying well across broad coastal mangroves.
Geographic Range & Migration
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Endemic to Chimborazo and neighboring volcanoes in Ecuador in high páramo at 3,500–5,200 m. Nationally iconic.
Allen's Hummingbird
Breeds along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California. Partial migrant; some Channel Islands populations resident year-round.
Conservation Status
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Allen's Hummingbird
How to Tell Them Apart
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Slender-tailed Woodstar: males with iridescent purple-violet gorget; metallic green body; white pectoral tufts; females green above
Allen's Hummingbird
Fiery-throated Hummingbird (alt): males with brilliant multicolored gorget; metallic green above; females duller; pale buff below
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.
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.