Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem vs Andean Hillstar
Lampornis amethystinus compared with Oreotrochilus estella
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem | Andean Hillstar |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampornis amethystinus | Oreotrochilus estella |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 13.1 cm (5.2 in) | 14.4 cm (5.7 in) |
| Weight | 5.6000000000000005 g (0.20 oz) | 8.299999999999999 g (0.29 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of Mexican and Central American montane pine-oak forest; visits Ericaceae and Salvia. Gleans arthropods. | Nectarivore of high-altitude puna and páramo; specializes in Chuquiraga and Puya flowers. Catches small insects … |
| 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.
Andean Hillstar
High, wavering trill with trembling quality; rapid series of notes with slight pitch modulation giving vibrato effect.
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.
Andean Hillstar
Widespread in Andean puna of southern Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina at 3,000–5,000 m. Resident.
Conservation Status
Amethyst-throated Mountain-gem
Andean Hillstar
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.
Andean Hillstar
A medium-sized hummingbird (12-14 cm) found in the high Andes from Peru to Argentina and Chile at 3,500-5,000 m. Green plumage with a white breast. One of the highest-living hummingbird species, entering torpor at night to survive freezing temperatures. Nectarivore of Chuquiraga and cacti.