Amazilia Hummingbird vs Versicoloured Emerald

In short

The Amazilia Hummingbird and Versicolored Emerald are medium-sized hummingbirds with overlapping ranges in South America. Key differences include the Amazilia's rufous and green tail and the Versicolored's mostly pink mandible and white underparts. Both species have green upperparts but differ in throat and crown coloration.

Identification tips

• Tail Color: Look for the rufous and green tail of the Amazilia Hummingbird.
• Mandible Color: The Versicolored Emerald has a mostly pink mandible.
• Underparts: The Versicolored Emerald has white underparts, unlike the Amazilia.
• Throat and Crown: Note the variable throat and crown colors in the Versicolored Emerald, which can be white, green, or turquoise.

Size

Both species are medium-sized hummingbirds, making size an unreliable distinguishing factor.

Plumage

The Amazilia Hummingbird has a rufous and green tail and a throat that varies in shades of glittering green. The Versicolored Emerald features green upperparts, white underparts, and a crown that can be glittering green or turquoise, with a throat that ranges from white to variably green or turquoise.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behavior, feeding at a variety of flowers and occasionally defending small patches.

Habitat

Amazilia Hummingbirds are found in towns, gardens, parks, and occasionally forests along the Pacific. Versicolored Emeralds inhabit forest edges, open shrubby areas, and savannas with scattered trees or shrubs across eastern South America.