Allen's Hummingbird vs. Amethyst Woodstar

Allen’s Hummingbird vs. Amethyst Woodstar: 9 Key Differences

Imagine a world where colorful birds with super-small bodies zip around, making life a bit more magical.

That’s where we meet Allen’s Hummingbird and the Amethyst Woodstar. They are very smallest species of hummingbirds, but their stories are big and full of surprises.

Let’s dive into their world and find out what makes them special.

Allen’s Hummingbird

Allen's hummingbird

Meet Allen’s Hummingbird, a tiny bird with a shiny orange-red throat that sparkles in the sun. It lives on the western coast of North America, from Oregon to Mexico.

These birds are great at flying and can do cool tricks when they want to impress others. They eat nectar from flowers and insects, which helps nature stay balanced.

Some of them even stay in warm places all year. Allen’s Hummingbird shows us that even the tiniest creatures are important and make our world more colorful and fun.

Read More: Allen’s Hummingbird vs. Amazilia Hummingbird

Amethyst Woodstar

Amethyst Woodstar
Image: Amethyst Woodstar

Meet the Amethyst Woodstar, a tiny bird that’s like a little jewel. It lives in faraway places called Costa Rica and Panama in Central America.

Even though it’s really small, only about 2.8 to 3.5 inches long. This species is amazing at flying and can stay still in the air to drink flower juice.

This little bird also helps flowers make new seeds. The Amethyst Woodstar shows us that even the tiniest things in nature can be super special and pretty.

Allen’s Hummingbird vs. Amethyst Woodstar

Let’s explore these two tiny birds’ 9 key differences that you didn’t know before.

1. Size:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: These are small birds, measuring about 3 to 3.5 inches long from their beaks to their tails.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: Even tinier, these birds are around 2.8 to 3.5 inches long, making them one of the smallest hummingbirds.

2. Throat Colors:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: If you see a guy with a bright orange-red throat, that’s the male Allen’s Hummingbird.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: Both boys and girls of the Amethyst Woodstar have a shiny throat that’s colored like a beautiful amethyst gemstone.

3. Range:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: Hangs out along the western coast of North America, from places like Oregon down to Mexico.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: These cool birds prefer Central America, where they’re often seen in countries like Costa Rica and Panama.

4. Habitat:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: You’ll find them in cozy spots like gardens, woodlands, and even near the coast.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: They like to chill in tropical forests, gardens, and open areas where they can enjoy the warm weather.

5. Behavior:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: During special times, the guys do impressive high-speed dives to show off.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: These little buddies are known for their quick wing flapping and the way they hover while they eat.

6. Nesting Habits:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: When it’s time to build homes, they make cup-shaped nests using plant pieces and even spider silk.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: Their nests are super delicate cups made from plant stuff and spider silk too.

7. Geographic Distribution:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: Hangs out in North America, especially the West Coast.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: Enjoys the tropical vibes of Central America, particularly in cool places like Costa Rica and Panama.

8. Food Preferences:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: They’re like foodies! They enjoy sipping nectar from flowers and sometimes munching on insects.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: These guys have a sweet tooth. They mainly drink nectar from flowers.

9. Conservation Status:

  • Allen’s Hummingbird: They’re not in danger right now, which is a good thing.
  • Amethyst Woodstar: Unfortunately, the Amethyst Woodstar is getting closer to being threatened due to losing its home in nature.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the world of the tiny and amazing hummingbirds! Allen’s Hummingbird with its fiery throat and the Amethyst Woodstar with its jewel-like colors show us that size doesn’t matter when it comes to being awesome. By taking care of these little buddies, we’re helping to keep the world a colorful and beautiful place for everyone.