Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae

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About the Broad-billed Hummingbird

The Broad-billed Hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris, captivates bird enthusiasts with its vibrant appearance and agile flight. This small hummingbird thrives primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it inhabits a range of environments from arid deserts to lush riparian zones. Its ecological role is significant, as it serves as a vital pollinator for many plant species, contributing to the health and diversity of its ecosystem. During the breeding season, these hummingbirds are especially active in the mountain canyons and foothills of Arizona and New Mexico. Here, they exhibit remarkable territorial behavior, defending feeding territories from other hummingbirds with vigor. The Broad-billed Hummingbird's migration patterns are less pronounced than those of other hummingbirds, though some populations do move seasonally to take advantage of flowering plants. In Mexico, they occupy similar habitats year-round, though they may shift to different elevations as food availability changes. This adaptability allows them to maintain stable populations, even as they face challenges such as habitat loss and climate change. Their presence in both urban and rural gardens highlights their role as adaptable pollinators, capable of thriving in diverse landscapes. The Broad-billed Hummingbird's striking appearance and ecological importance make it a favorite among birdwatchers and conservationists alike.

The Broad-billed Hummingbird belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live average lifespan is 3-5 years, with a maximum recorded of 9 years..

How to Identify a Broad-billed Hummingbird

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is easily recognizable by its vivid green plumage and distinctive broad, red bill with a black tip. Adult males boast an iridescent green body with a blue throat, known as a gorget, that shimmers in sunlight. Females and juveniles, while less colorful, still bear the green plumage, though their underparts are paler and their gorgets are absent or muted. The bill of the female is slightly less vibrant than that of the male, but still exhibits the characteristic reddish hue. In flight, the Broad-billed Hummingbird shows a rapid wingbeat, typical of hummingbirds, and a slightly curved silhouette due to its elongated tail feathers. While perched, it often holds its body upright, showing off its colorful plumage. Confusion may arise with other hummingbirds such as the Violet-crowned Hummingbird, but the Broad-billed's red bill and iridescent green body are distinguishing features.

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Broad-billed Hummingbird Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

The Broad-billed Hummingbird inhabits diverse habitats, ranging from dry deserts and thorn forests to moist riparian woodlands. In the United States, it is commonly found in the canyons and arid foothills of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. These areas provide ample flowering plants necessary for feeding. During different seasons, these hummingbirds may shift elevations, seeking the blooming flowers that are critical to their diet. They are also spotted in urban gardens and parks, where feeders and native plants support their nutritional needs. Despite their preference for rural habitats, their presence in urban areas demonstrates their adaptability.

Geographic Range

The Broad-billed Hummingbird's range extends from the southwestern United States through much of Mexico. In the U.S., it breeds predominantly in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, where it is considered a summer resident. In Mexico, its range spreads across the Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental, where it is a common year-round resident. While the Broad-billed Hummingbird does not undergo long migratory journeys like some other hummingbird species, it does exhibit local movements in response to seasonal shifts in food availability. These movements are more pronounced in the northern parts of its range, as it moves southward or to lower elevations during cooler months.

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What Does the Broad-billed Hummingbird Eat?

The Broad-billed Hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, using its specialized long bill to access deep flowers. It plays a crucial role as a pollinator for species such as agaves and penstemons. In addition to nectar, it also consumes small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins. Feeding occurs throughout the day, with increased activity during early morning and late afternoon. The hummingbird employs a hover-feeding technique, allowing it to extract nectar while maintaining its position in the air. Its diet varies seasonally, depending on the availability of flowering plants and insects.

Want to attract Broad-billed Hummingbirds to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.

Broad-billed Hummingbird Behavior and Social Structure

Broad-billed Hummingbirds exhibit solitary and territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season when males aggressively defend their feeding territories. These territories are marked by frequent chases and displays of aerial agility. Courtship involves elaborate displays that include rapid dives and high-pitched vocalizations by males. Outside of the breeding season, these hummingbirds are less aggressive and may be observed feeding in groups, particularly in areas with abundant food sources. Their daily activity patterns include periods of intense feeding interspersed with rest in shaded perches. In response to predators, they rely on their speed and agility to evade capture, often retreating to dense foliage.

Broad-billed Hummingbird Nesting and Reproduction

The Broad-billed Hummingbird constructs a small, cup-shaped nest using plant fibers and spider silk, which provides elasticity. The female typically selects a location on a horizontal tree branch or shrub at a moderate height, often near a water source. The nest is camouflaged with moss and lichen to blend with its surroundings. Clutch size generally consists of two white eggs, with the female incubating them for about 14-16 days. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 20-22 days before fledging. The female solely undertakes the responsibilities of feeding and caring for the young. In favorable conditions, they may raise two broods per year.

Broad-billed Hummingbird Sounds and Vocalizations

The Broad-billed Hummingbird's primary song is a series of high-pitched, rapid chips and twitters, often delivered from a prominent perch. These vocalizations are a critical aspect of their territorial displays. Additionally, they produce sharp call notes that serve as alarms or communication signals during interactions with other hummingbirds. Their dawn chorus consists of energetic trills and whistles, marking the beginning of their active day. Compared to other hummingbirds, their calls are relatively soft but nonetheless distinctive to those familiar with them.

Interesting Facts About the Broad-billed Hummingbird

1Broad-billed Hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 70 times per second, allowing them to hover with precision.
2Unlike many birds, the Broad-billed Hummingbird can rotate its wings in a full circle, aiding in its distinctive flight abilities.
3These hummingbirds have a heart rate that can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute during flight, remarkably high even for a small bird.
4The Broad-billed Hummingbird's red bill is not only broad but slightly upturned, aiding in nectar feeding from specific flower types.
5Their long migration is less pronounced, but they do exhibit altitudinal movements, adjusting to seasonal food source availability.
6Broad-billed Hummingbirds have excellent memory, allowing them to track which flowers have recently been visited for nectar.
7They can enter a state of torpor during cold nights, reducing their metabolism to conserve energy.

Broad-billed Hummingbird Conservation Status

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable population trends across its range. Despite this, habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture poses potential threats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting native plant gardens that support their feeding needs. Historically, the species has maintained robust populations, likely due to its adaptability to varying habitats and climates. Continued monitoring and habitat conservation will be key to ensuring its future stability.

Attracting Broad-billed Hummingbirds to Your Feeder

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Broad-billed Hummingbirds regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.

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