Amethyst-throated Sunangel

Heliangelus amethysticollis

Hummingbirds · Apodiformes · Rare

The Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis) is a rare hummingbird found in 5 countries, weighing about 5 g. The amethyst-throated sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae.

Least ConcernRareEats nectarforestcup nest5 g

About the Amethyst-throated Sunangel

The amethyst-throated sunangel is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is found in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The amethyst-throated sunangel, as defined by the IOC, is about 10 cm (3.9 in) long and weighs 3.8 to 7.7 g (0.13 to 0.27 oz). The species has a straight, rather short, black bill. The adult male of nominate subspecies H. a. amethysticollis has shiny dark green upperparts with a bright green frontlet just above the bill. Its throat and upper breast gorget is rosy amethyst. That area has a narrow black border on the neck and a broader cinnamon band below it. The lower breast is glittery green and the rest of the underparts buff with green discs. Voice: The amethyst-throated sunangel's call is "a short, buzzy, dry trill...repeated at intervals."

What the Amethyst-throated Sunangel sounds like

Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Niels Krabbe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Venezuela.

When to see it

The Amethyst-throated Sunangel can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify an Amethyst-throated Sunangel?
The amethyst-throated sunangel, as defined by the IOC, is about 10 cm (3.9 in) long and weighs 3.8 to 7.7 g (0.13 to 0.27 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is an Amethyst-throated Sunangel?
The Amethyst-throated Sunangel is a tiny sized bird weighing about 5 g.
Where can you see an Amethyst-throated Sunangel?
The Amethyst-throated Sunangel occurs in 5 countries, including Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia.
What does an Amethyst-throated Sunangel sound like?
You can listen to 2 field recordings of the Amethyst-throated Sunangel on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
What birds look similar to an Amethyst-throated Sunangel?
The Amethyst-throated Sunangel is most easily confused with the Longuemare's Sunangel, the Gorgeted Sunangel and the Purple-throated Sunangel.
Is the Amethyst-throated Sunangel endangered?
The Amethyst-throated Sunangel is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Amethyst-throated Sunangel for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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