Great Sapphirewing vs Bumblebee Hummingbird
Pterophanes cyanopterus compared with Selasphorus heloisa
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Great Sapphirewing | Bumblebee Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophanes cyanopterus | Selasphorus heloisa |
| 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) | 2.35 g (0.08 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … | Feeds on floral nectar in pine-oak highlands of Mexico, hovering at small tubular blooms. Gleans … |
| Clutch Size | 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.
Bumblebee Hummingbird
Thin, high whistle with delicate quality; soft pure note barely audible beyond close range in undergrowth.
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.
Bumblebee Hummingbird
Endemic to the mountains of Mexico at 1,800-3,500 m elevation. Resident in pine-oak and cloud forest edges.
Conservation Status
Great Sapphirewing
Bumblebee 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.
Bumblebee Hummingbird
A tiny hummingbird (7-8 cm) endemic to the mountains of Mexico at 1,800-3,500 m. Males have a magenta gorget. Named for its resemblance to a bumblebee in size. Nectarivore of pine-oak and cloud forest. One of the smallest hummingbirds in Mexico.