Great Sapphirewing vs Volcano Hummingbird
Pterophanes cyanopterus compared with Selasphorus flammula
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Great Sapphirewing | Volcano Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophanes cyanopterus | Selasphorus flammula |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) | 8.0 cm (3.1 in) |
| Weight | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) | 2.6999999999999997 g (0.10 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … | Highland nectarivore of Costa Rican volcanoes, feeding at Fuchsia and bromeliads. Captures small arthropods for … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Great Sapphirewing only
None
Volcano Hummingbird only
Song & Call Comparison
Great Sapphirewing
Buzzy, insect-like trill with pulsing rhythm; high-frequency vibration with slight amplitude modulation near flowers.
Volcano Hummingbird
Sharp, crackling trill with percussive edge; rapid dry notes delivered forcefully during territorial encounter.
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.
Volcano Hummingbird
Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica at 1,800-3,500 m, particularly around volcanic peaks. Resident in páramo and elfin forest.
Conservation Status
Great Sapphirewing
Volcano 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.
Volcano Hummingbird
A tiny hummingbird (7-8 cm) endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica at 1,800-3,500 m, particularly around volcanic peaks. Males have a brilliantly colored gorget varying geographically from magenta to gray-purple. Nectarivore of páramo and high-elevation gardens.