Great Sapphirewing vs Sparkling-tailed Woodstar
Pterophanes cyanopterus compared with Tilmatura dupontii
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Great Sapphirewing | Sparkling-tailed Woodstar |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophanes cyanopterus | Tilmatura dupontii |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae | Trochilidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) | 7.2 cm (2.8 in) |
| Weight | 10.05 g (0.35 oz) | 2.2 g (0.08 oz) |
| Diet | Nectarivore of high Andean cloud forest and treeline; one of the largest hummingbirds. Visits Ericaceae … | Feeds on floral nectar at low scrub blooms in dry Central American valleys. Catches small … |
| 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.
Sparkling-tailed Woodstar
Sharp, penetrating squeak repeated quickly; tiny piercing notes given insistently during competitive 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.
Sparkling-tailed Woodstar
Found in highlands from southern Mexico to Honduras at 600-2,500 m elevation. Resident in pine-oak and cloud forest edges.
Conservation Status
Great Sapphirewing
Sparkling-tailed Woodstar
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.
Sparkling-tailed Woodstar
A tiny hummingbird (7-8 cm) found in highlands from Mexico to Honduras at 600-2,500 m. Males have a striking elongated, sparkling tail with dark tips. Nectarivore of pine-oak forest edges and gardens. The tail sparkles like fireworks in flight.