Humboldt's Sapphire vs Glittering-throated Emerald
Chrysuronia humboldtii versus Chionomesa fimbriata
Play a quiz with Humboldt's Sapphire and Glittering-throated Emerald
Humboldt's Sapphire
Glittering-throated Emerald
In short
Humboldt's Sapphire and Glittering-throated Emerald can be distinguished by their habitat preferences and specific plumage features. Humboldt's Sapphire is found below 50 meters with a blue forehead and throat, while the Glittering-throated Emerald has a unique white area on its underparts and occupies a wider range of habitats.
Identification tips
1. Habitat: Humboldt's Sapphire is found below 50 meters, while the Glittering-throated Emerald inhabits a variety of forest edges and gardens. 2. Plumage: Look for the blue forehead and throat on Humboldt's Sapphire; the Glittering-throated Emerald has a white area on its underparts. 3. Behavior: Both species are aggressive, but note the habitat and plumage for confirmation.
Size
Both species are small hummingbirds with similar sizes, making size a less reliable distinguishing feature.
Plumage
Humboldt's Sapphire has a blue forehead and throat, while the Glittering-throated Emerald is more nondescript but features a distinctive white area on the central and lower underparts.
Behaviour
Both species are aggressive towards other hummingbirds, but Humboldt's Sapphire is noted for its aggression atop flowering trees.
Habitat
Humboldt's Sapphire is found below 50 meters, while the Glittering-throated Emerald frequents borders of dry, humid, and gallery forests, second growth, open woodlands, and gardens.
Voice
The Glittering-throated Emerald has an insect-like song, while there is no specific vocalization detail for Humboldt's Sapphire.
Humboldt's Sapphire · Glittering-throated Emerald · My Tricky Birds