Pale-bellied Hermit vs Great Sapphirewing
Phaethornis anthophilus compared with Pterophanes cyanopterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Pale-bellied Hermit | Great Sapphirewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phaethornis anthophilus | Pterophanes cyanopterus |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 11.4 cm (4.5 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 5.166666666666667 g (0.18 oz) | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore adapted to curved corolla flowers via trap-lining. Supplements nectar with small spiders caught near … | 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
Pale-bellied Hermit
Soft, pure tones in slow deliberate sequence; each note clearly separated, musical and unhurried, issued at twilight.
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Pale-bellied Hermit
Found in northern Colombia and Venezuela in dry deciduous forest and scrub. Sea level to 1,000 m elevation.
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
Pale-bellied Hermit
Great Sapphirewing
About These Birds
Pale-bellied Hermit
A medium-sized hermit hummingbird (12-14 cm) found in dry forests and scrublands of Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. Pale belly, green upperparts, and a long curved bill. Nectarivore of dry forest undergrowth and edges. One of the few hermits adapted to arid habitats.
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.