Amethyst-throated Sunangel vs Tourmaline Sunangel

In short

The Amethyst-throated Sunangel and the Tourmaline Sunangel are both small hummingbirds with iridescent plumage, but they can be distinguished by the color of their throats. The Amethyst-throated Sunangel has a striking amethyst-colored throat, while the male Tourmaline Sunangel has a violet-blue chin and a magenta lower throat.

Identification tips

1. Throat Color: Look for the amethyst throat in Amethyst-throated Sunangel versus the violet-blue and magenta throat in male Tourmaline Sunangel. 2. Female Throat: Female Tourmaline Sunangels have a distinctive whitish throat with spotting. 3. Perching Behavior: Tourmaline Sunangels may be seen perching defensively on bush edges.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of the Heliangelus genus, and size is not a reliable differentiator.

Plumage

The Amethyst-throated Sunangel features an amethyst-colored throat, whereas the male Tourmaline Sunangel has a violet-blue chin and magenta lower throat. Female Tourmaline Sunangels have whitish throats with spotting, which can help distinguish them from the Amethyst-throated females.

Behaviour

Tourmaline Sunangels often perch on the outer edges of bushes and exhibit defensive behaviors. Both species feed on nectar by clinging to flowers, but this behavior is similar across many hummingbird species.

Habitat

Both species inhabit similar montane forest environments, often overlapping in range, making habitat a less reliable distinguishing factor.

Voice

There is no significant information available on vocalization differences between these two species.