Bird Guide

Blue-throated Sapphire vs Violet-bellied Hummingbird

Blue-throated Sapphire (Chlorestes eliciae)

Blue-throated Sapphire

Chlorestes eliciae

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This medium-sized hummingbird measures 9 cm (3.5 in) and weighs 3.6 g (0.13 oz). On average, the male's wings measure 49.7 mm (1.96 in), its tail 26.7 mm (1.05 in), and its bill (i.e. culmen from base) 18.2 mm (0.72 in). The female's parts are a little bit smaller, as its wings measure 47.7 mm (1.88 in), its tail 25.9 mm (1.02 in), and its bill 19.4 mm (0.76 in). The crown and upperparts are green, shading to the metallic golden-green tail. The wings are dusky, while the sides and belly are green. The throat is metallic blue-violet.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Jackson · cc0
Violet-bellied Hummingbird (Chlorestes julie)

Violet-bellied Hummingbird

Chlorestes julie

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The violet-bellied hummingbird is characterized by the male's shimmering violet belly. The rest of its body is just as brilliant; its back and crown being a metallic green. The violet belly, however, is not shared between the sexes as this species exhibits sexual dimorphism. The characteristics they do share include long, rounded tails, straight and short bills, and pink lower mandibles. Adult: The male violet-bellied hummingbird is more brightly colored than its female counterpart. Its breast and belly is a violet blue while its back, crown, and throat is a metallic green.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Brian Gratwicke · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Blue-throated Sapphire and Violet-bellied Hummingbird.