Great Sapphirewing vs Blue-headed Hummingbird
Pterophanes cyanopterus compared with Riccordia bicolor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Great Sapphirewing | Blue-headed Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophanes cyanopterus | Riccordia bicolor |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) | — |
| Weight | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) | 4.55 g (0.16 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … | Nectarivore probing tubular flowers in humid forest. Supplements nectar diet with small insects and spiders … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Blue-headed Hummingbird
Melodic, rolling trill with bright bubbly quality; quick cheerful notes cascading pleasantly from prominent perch.
Geographic Range & Migration
Great Sapphirewing
Found in high Andean cloud forests and páramo from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru to Bolivia. 2,400–3,800 m.
Blue-headed Hummingbird
Found on Dominica and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. Resident in montane forest and gardens on both islands.
Conservation Status
Great Sapphirewing
Blue-headed Hummingbird
About These Birds
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.
Blue-headed Hummingbird
A small hummingbird (9-10 cm) found on Dominica and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. Bright green plumage with a blue head (males). Nectarivore of montane forest and gardens. One of only two hummingbird species on each island.