Great Sapphirewing vs Hispaniolan Emerald
Pterophanes cyanopterus compared with Riccordia swainsonii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Great Sapphirewing | Hispaniolan Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophanes cyanopterus | Riccordia swainsonii |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) | — |
| Weight | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) | 3.75 g (0.13 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … | Feeds on nectar from Hispaniolan forest flowers and garden plants. Supplements diet with small insects … |
| 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.
Hispaniolan Emerald
Sharp, emphatic two-syllable whistle; first note high and accented, second falling softly, repeated clearly.
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.
Hispaniolan Emerald
Endemic to Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). Resident across the island in forests, gardens, and plantations.
Conservation Status
Great Sapphirewing
Hispaniolan Emerald
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.
Hispaniolan Emerald
A medium-sized hummingbird (10-11 cm) endemic to Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). Bright green plumage with a dark auricular patch and pale breast. Nectarivore of forests, gardens, and coffee plantations. The most widespread hummingbird on Hispaniola.