Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Identifying the Broad-tailed Hummingbird involves noting several distinct field marks. Adult males are particularly striking with their iridescent magenta throat, known as a gorget, which catches the light in a brilliant display. The back and crown exhibit a bright green hue, contrasting with a white underbelly. Females and juveniles lack the vivid throat coloration, instead displaying a more subdued green and white plumage with some rust-colored flanks. The hummingbird's wings produce a distinctive metallic trilling sound during flight, a characteristic that aids in identification. Compared to similar species like the Rufous Hummingbird, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird is less fiery in its overall color scheme and has a slightly longer bill. When perched, the bird maintains an upright posture, often seen on exposed perches where it can survey its territory. In flight, the silhouette is slender with rapid wingbeats, a common trait among hummingbirds but marked by the unique sound of its wings.

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird's diet primarily consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders for protein. This diet changes with the seasons, as they rely on the blooming cycles of plants like columbine and paintbrush during the breeding season. They employ a hovering technique to extract nectar, using their long, specialized bills to reach into flowers. Insects are often caught in flight or gleaned from foliage. This hummingbird feeds throughout the day, with peak activity occurring in the early morning and late afternoon, corresponding with flower nectar availability.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds exhibit territorial behavior, particularly during the breeding season when males defend feeding territories aggressively. Courtship displays are a notable aspect of their behavior, with males performing aerial dives and producing a trill with their wings to attract females. These birds are generally solitary outside of the breeding season, although they may be seen in loose aggregations at abundant food sources. In response to predators, such as hawks and larger birds, they rely on agility and speed, often retreating into dense foliage for cover. Daily activities include frequent feeding trips interspersed with periods of rest, often perched in high, exposed locations.

The nesting habits of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird involve constructing a small cup-shaped nest made from plant down and spider silk, often situated in a tree or shrub at varying heights. Females typically lay two white eggs per clutch, with incubation lasting about 16-19 days. The female alone incubates the eggs and cares for the young, which fledge approximately 20-26 days post-hatching. The species can produce one to two broods per year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability. The nest's location is chosen for its proximity to reliable food sources and its relative safety from predators.

The primary song of the Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a soft, musical series of chirps and trills, often given while perched. Males produce a distinctive metallic wing trill during flight, especially audible during courtship displays. Alarm calls are sharp and quick, alerting to potential threats. During early morning hours, their vocal activity increases, contributing to the dawn chorus with a mix of songs and call notes.

• 1Broad-tailed Hummingbirds can fly at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, showcasing their remarkable agility.
• 2The metallic trill of the male's wings is produced by modified feathers, a unique trait among hummingbirds.
• 3These hummingbirds are capable of entering torpor, a hibernation-like state, to conserve energy during cold nights.
• 4Broad-tailed Hummingbirds can travel over 1,000 miles during migration, a testament to their endurance.
• 5The species is known to visit over 100 different flower species for nectar during its lifetime, highlighting its role in pollination.
• 6Their nests, though small, are meticulously constructed with spider silk, allowing them to expand as the chicks grow.
• 7Females can remember the location of hundreds of flowers and return to them after feeding, demonstrating impressive memory skills.

Currently, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While the population is generally stable, habitat loss due to development and climate change poses potential threats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and encouraging native plant growth in gardens, which supports their feeding and breeding needs. Historically, populations have fluctuated with changes in land use, but they have shown resilience in adapting to new environments when resources are available.