Broad-tailed Hummingbird
NameBroad-tailed Hummingbird
Common NameBroad-tailed Hummingbird
Scientific NameSelasphorus platycercus
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)13.3
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)3.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a brilliant iridescent rose-magenta gorget, a green back, and green flanks with a rufous wash. Females and immatures have a green back, white underparts, rufous flanks, and white tips on the outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a distinctive metallic trill with their wings during flight. Their vocalizations include sharp 'chip' notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, forest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in mountainous regions of western North America, from Wyoming and Idaho south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico. Winters primarily in central and southern Mexico.
Identifying Featuresmale's rose-magenta gorget, distinctive wing trill in flight (males), rufous wash on flanks, white tips on outer tail feathers (females/immatures)
Description
This medium-sized hummingbird is known for the male's iridescent rose-magenta gorget and a distinctive metallic trill produced by its wings in flight. They are highly migratory, breeding in high-elevation western North America and wintering in Mexico.
