Slender Sheartail vs Lucifer Hummingbird

In short

The Slender Sheartail and Lucifer Hummingbird are both small hummingbirds, but they can be distinguished by tail shape and throat coloration. The Slender Sheartail has a notably long, forked tail, while the Lucifer Hummingbird features a more modestly forked tail and a distinctive purple throat patch in males.

Identification tips

1. Tail Shape: Look for the long, deeply forked tail of the Slender Sheartail. 2. Throat Color: Check for the purple throat patch on male Lucifer Hummingbirds. 3. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Lucifer Hummingbirds prefer arid environments, while Slender Sheartails are found in more wooded areas. 4. Behavior: Note any courtship displays; unique flight displays at nests suggest a Lucifer Hummingbird.

Size

Both species are small, but the Slender Sheartail is slightly more elongated due to its longer tail.

Plumage

The Slender Sheartail exhibits a long, deeply forked tail and a generally slender appearance. Males have a greenish back and a white underbelly. The Lucifer Hummingbird male is known for its striking purple throat patch, contrasting with its green back and white underparts.

Behaviour

Lucifer Hummingbirds are noted for their unique courtship displays, which involve males performing flight displays at the nests of females. This behavior is not observed in Slender Sheartails.

Habitat

The Slender Sheartail is typically found in open woodlands and scrub areas, while the Lucifer Hummingbird is often associated with arid regions, such as deserts and dry slopes.