Emerald-chinned Hummingbird vs Crowned Woodnymph

In short

The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird and the Crowned Woodnymph can be distinguished by their distinct plumage and subtle structural differences. The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is notable for its emerald chin, while the Crowned Woodnymph has a more varied plumage with a prominent crown coloration depending on the subspecies.

Identification tips

• Look for the emerald chin on the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird.
• Note the crown color on the Crowned Woodnymph, which can be violet or green depending on the subspecies.
• Observe the overall body iridescence: the Crowned Woodnymph tends to have a more varied and vibrant plumage.
• Consider the geographic location, as the Crowned Woodnymph has a broader range.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small hummingbirds, with no significant difference in overall length or wingspan.

Plumage

The Emerald-chinned Hummingbird has a distinctive emerald-green chin and throat, with a generally green body. In contrast, the Crowned Woodnymph males have a striking violet or green crown and a more iridescent body, varying by subspecies. Females of the Crowned Woodnymph are less vibrant but still show a noticeable crown coloration.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behaviors such as hovering and rapid darting. There are no significant behavioral differences noted that aid in field identification.

Habitat

Both species inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, but the Crowned Woodnymph is more widespread across Central and South America, while the Emerald-chinned Hummingbird is more localized to specific regions in Central America.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature between these species, and both have typical hummingbird calls that are not easily differentiated in the field.