Amethyst Woodstar vs Swallow-tailed Hummingbird

The Amethyst Woodstar and Swallow-tailed Hummingbird are both small hummingbirds, but they can be distinguished by their tail shapes and throat colors. The Amethyst Woodstar has a prominently forked tail and a striking amethyst-colored throat, while the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird features a long, deeply forked tail and lacks the amethyst throat coloration.

1. Tail Shape: Look for the Amethyst Woodstar's prominently forked tail versus the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird's long, deeply forked tail. 2. Throat Color: The Amethyst Woodstar male has a distinctive amethyst-colored throat, which is absent in the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird. 3. Size and Structure: Note the smaller, more compact size of the Amethyst Woodstar compared to the larger Swallow-tailed Hummingbird. 4. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Amethyst Woodstars are more likely in denser, circum-Amazonian areas, while Swallow-tailed Hummingbirds frequent open areas.

The Amethyst Woodstar is smaller and more compact compared to the larger and more elongated Swallow-tailed Hummingbird.

The Amethyst Woodstar male has a bronzy green back, amethyst throat, and white breast band, while the female has a green-spotted white throat and orange-rufous sides. The Swallow-tailed Hummingbird is generally green with a blue throat and belly, and its long tail is a distinguishing feature.

Both species feed on nectar and may occasionally hawk insects, but the Amethyst Woodstar is noted for being more sedentary.

The Amethyst Woodstar is found throughout its circum-Amazonian distribution, while the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird is more widespread in open and semi-open areas, often near water.