Versicoloured Emerald vs Gilded Hummingbird

In short

To distinguish the Versicolored Emerald from the Gilded Hummingbird, focus on the bill color and tail. The Versicolored Emerald has a mostly pink mandible and a more varied crown and throat coloration, while the Gilded Hummingbird features a coral-red, dark-tipped bill and a distinctive golden-bronze tail.

Identification tips

1. Bill Color: Look for the mostly pink mandible in the Versicolored Emerald versus the coral-red, dark-tipped bill of the Gilded Hummingbird. 2. Tail Color: The Gilded Hummingbird's tail is golden-bronze, a key distinguishing feature. 3. Crown and Throat: Versicolored Emeralds may show glittering green or turquoise on the crown and throat, which varies among subspecies. 4. Post-ocular Spot: The Gilded Hummingbird has a small white spot behind the eye.

Size

Both species are medium-sized hummingbirds with similar body structures.

Plumage

The Versicolored Emerald has green upperparts and white underparts, with crown and throat colors that can vary from glittering green to turquoise. In contrast, the Gilded Hummingbird is iridescent golden-green overall with a small white post-ocular spot and a golden-bronze tail.

Behaviour

Versicolored Emeralds may defend small patches of flowers, while the Gilded Hummingbird's movements are less understood but presumed mainly sedentary.

Habitat

Both species inhabit open areas, but the Versicolored Emerald is found in forest edges, savannas, and shrubby areas across eastern South America. The Gilded Hummingbird is noted as a migrant visitor to Mato Grosso, Brazil.