Purple-throated Sunangel vs Royal Sunangel

In short

The Purple-throated Sunangel and the Royal Sunangel are two similar hummingbirds, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. The Purple-throated Sunangel has a distinctive purple throat, while the Royal Sunangel is noted for its deep blue coloration in males and green-spotted cinnamon underparts in females.

Identification tips

1. Look for the purple throat in the Purple-throated Sunangel. 2. Observe the deep blue coloration in male Royal Sunangels. 3. Note the green-spotted cinnamon underparts in female Royal Sunangels. 4. Consider habitat: Royal Sunangels prefer higher elevations and elfin forests.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of the Heliangelus genus, with no significant size difference noted.

Plumage

The Purple-throated Sunangel features a striking purple throat, whereas the Royal Sunangel male is entirely deep blue with a long, deeply forked tail. Female Royal Sunangels have dark green upperparts and green-spotted cinnamon underparts with a pale breast-band.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behaviors, including hovering and rapid flight, with partial insectivory noted in the Royal Sunangel.

Habitat

The Purple-throated Sunangel is generally found in subtropical Andean forests, while the Royal Sunangel inhabits subtropical elfin forest edges and shrubbery at elevations between 1,450 m and 2,200 m.