Versicoloured Emerald vs White-bellied Hummingbird

In short

The Versicolored Emerald (Chrysuronia versicolor) and the White-bellied Hummingbird (Elliotomyia chionogaster) are both medium-sized hummingbirds with green upperparts and white underparts. The most reliable field mark is the mandible color: Versicolored Emeralds have a mostly pink mandible, while White-bellied Hummingbirds have a mostly black mandible.

Identification tips

• Mandible color: Versicolored Emerald has a mostly pink mandible; White-bellied Hummingbird has a mostly black mandible.
• Crown and throat variation: Some Versicolored Emeralds have glittering green or turquoise crowns and throats, which may help in identification.
• Habitat: Consider the location and habitat; Versicolored Emeralds are widespread in eastern South America.

Size

Both species are medium-sized hummingbirds and are similar in size.

Plumage

Both species have green upperparts and white underparts. Versicolored Emeralds may show variation in crown and throat color, with some subspecies having glittering green or turquoise crowns and variably green or turquoise throats.

Behaviour

Versicolored Emeralds often defend small patches of flowers, a behavior typical of many hummingbirds. The behavior of White-bellied Hummingbirds is less specifically noted but likely similar.

Habitat

Versicolored Emeralds are found in open shrubby areas, forest edges, and savannas with scattered trees across eastern South America. White-bellied Hummingbirds' habitat preferences are not detailed here but are likely similar given their shared family.