Lesser Violetear vs Purple-crowned Fairy

In short

The Lesser Violetear is mostly glittering green with violet patches on the sides of its head, while the Purple-crowned Fairy is distinguished by its pure white underparts and a dark mask through the eye. These differences in plumage are the most reliable field marks when distinguishing these two hummingbirds.

Identification tips

1. Look for the violet ear patches on the Lesser Violetear. 2. Note the pure white underparts and dark eye mask of the Purple-crowned Fairy. 3. Observe behavior: Purple-crowned Fairies often cock their tails and pierce flowers. 4. Consider habitat: Lesser Violetears prefer highland areas, whereas Purple-crowned Fairies are found in lowland wet forests.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized hummingbirds.

Plumage

Lesser Violetear is mostly glittering green with violet ear patches, whereas the Purple-crowned Fairy is pure white below with a distinctive dark eye mask.

Behaviour

Purple-crowned Fairies often open and close their long tails and cock them up when hovering, and they are known to pierce the base of flowers for nectar. Lesser Violetears do not exhibit this behavior.

Habitat

Lesser Violetears inhabit highland humid forest borders and clearings, while Purple-crowned Fairies are found in humid and wet forests and second growth woodlands.