Magenta-throated Woodstar vs Purple-throated Woodstar

In short

The Magenta-throated Woodstar and Purple-throated Woodstar are similar hummingbirds, but the male Magenta-throated has a distinctive glittering purple gorget and longer tail. Both species have green upperparts, but the Magenta-throated Woodstar shows more rufous spangling.

Identification tips

• Male Magenta-throated Woodstar: Look for the glittering purple gorget and longer tail.
• Female Magenta-throated Woodstar: Note the white collar and rufous spangling on green upperparts.
• Both Species: Green upperparts with some rufous, but Magenta-throated shows more rufous spangling.
• Habitat: Magenta-throated is found at elevations between 700 and 1850 m.

Size

Both species are small hummingbirds, but the Magenta-throated Woodstar typically appears slightly more robust due to its longer tail.

Plumage

Male Magenta-throated Woodstars have a glittering purple gorget and a long tail, while females are largely whitish with spotting on the flanks. Both sexes have green upperparts with rufous spangling. The Purple-throated Woodstar's plumage details are less distinct in the sources, but generally similar.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behavior, including rapid flight and hovering at flowers.

Habitat

The Magenta-throated Woodstar is found in wooded areas between 700 and 1850 m. The specific habitat preferences of the Purple-throated Woodstar are not detailed, but they likely overlap in similar environments.