The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is one of North America’s most eye-catching hummingbird species. With its jewel-like colours and unique red bill, this tiny bird brings a flash of brilliance to gardens and woodlands across the southwestern United States and Mexico.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these remarkable birds, from their appearance to their behaviour.
Key Takeaways
- Broad-billed Hummingbirds are small but striking birds with bright blue-green feathers and distinctive red bills, measuring about 4 inches in length.
- These hummingbirds live primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, where they thrive in various habitats from oak woodlands to urban gardens.
- Males and females look quite different, with males showing brilliant turquoise-blue feathers while females have more subtle grey and green colouring.
Essential Facts
- Scientific Name: Cynanthus latirostris
- Length: 3.9-4.3 inches (10-11 cm)
- Wingspan: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
- Weight: 3-4 grams
- Lifespan: 4-8 years in the wild
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, 2025).
Physical Characteristics
Male and Female Differences
Male and female Broad-billed Hummingbirds look quite different from each other. Males sport bright turquoise-blue throats and chests, with emerald green upper parts and a striking red bill with a black tip. Their tail feathers are a deep blue-black colour, and their feathers shimmer and change colour as they move in the light.
Females have a more subtle appearance, with pale grey undersides and bronze-green upper parts. They have a white stripe above their eye and a tail with white tips. While they also have a red bill, it’s slightly less bright than the males’.
Related post: 12 Facts About Allen’s Hummingbird.
Broad-billed Hummingbird Seasonal Changes
These hummingbirds change throughout the year. Males’ feathers become brighter during breeding season (March to August), and new research shows that:
- They go through a complete feather change after breeding
- Young birds change all their feathers when they’re 8-10 months old
- Their bills become more colourful as they get older
- Their weight changes during migration seasons.
Where to Find Broad-billed Hummingbirds
Year-round Homes
These hummingbirds can be found throughout the year in:
- Central and southern Arizona
- Southwest New Mexico
- Various regions of Mexico, especially along the Pacific coast.
Broad-billed Hummingbird Migration Patterns
Recent studies have shown interesting movement patterns:
- Northern populations partly migrate south for winter
- Mexican populations move up and down mountains seasonally
- More birds are now being seen in southeastern Arizona
- New winter sightings have been recorded in Texas since 2024.
Preferred Living Spaces
Broad-billed Hummingbirds live in many different places:
Natural Homes:
- Oak woodlands
- Pine-oak forests
- Desert areas with streams
- Tropical deciduous forests
- Arid scrubland
- Canyon systems.
Urban Areas: Recent studies show these birds are adapting well to city life, appearing in:
- Gardens with native plants
- City parks
- Suburban neighbourhoods
- Golf courses with desert landscaping.
Behaviour and Daily Life
Feeding Habits
These hummingbirds have clever feeding strategies:
Favourite Flowers:
- Penstemmon
- Salvia
- Agave
- Ocotillo
- Desert honeysuckle.
Insects They Eat:
- Small flies
- Gnats
- Spiders
- Moths (especially at dawn and dusk).
Daily Routine:
- Most active early morning and late afternoon
- Guard their favourite feeding spots
- Follow regular routes between food sources
- Use energy-efficient hovering techniques.
Social Life and Communication
Territory Behaviour:
- Males guard their breeding and feeding areas
- Complex pecking order among neighbouring birds
- Territory size changes with the seasons
- Special displays to settle disputes.
Calls and Songs:
- Short, metallic “chip” calls to keep in touch
- Buzzing warbles to mark territory
- Complex squeaky songs for courtship
- Sharp, rising notes for warnings.
Breeding and Life Cycle
Courtship (February-July)
Males perform impressive displays to attract females:
- Fancy flying displays
- U-shaped flight patterns
- Special hovering shows
- Bill-fencing with rival males.
Nesting
New research tells us:
- Nests are built 3-15 feet high
- Preferred trees include oak, hackberry, and walnut
- Nests are made with spider silk and soft plant material
- Some birds (15%) reuse old nests.
Breeding Success
- Usually lay 2 eggs
- Eggs hatch after 14-16 days
- Young birds leave the nest after 20-22 days
- 65% success rate in good conditions.
Conservation and Protection
Current Population
Recent surveys show:
- Overall stable numbers
- More birds in urban areas
- Slight decreases in some natural areas
- About 2-3 million birds worldwide.
Challenges
These hummingbirds face several challenges:
- Breaking up of their natural habitat
- Climate change affecting when flowers bloom
- Competition from non-native plants
- Urban development in important areas.
Conservation Wins
Recent efforts to help include:
- Urban garden programmes
- Bringing back native plants
- Citizen science monitoring
- Working with partners across borders.
How to Attract Broad-billed Hummingbirds
Garden Tips
Create an inviting space:
- Plant native flowering species
- Provide water sources
- Include perches and resting spots
- Create different levels of plants.
Feeder Advice
Set up feeders properly:
- Mix 4 parts water to 1 part sugar
- Clean feeders every week
- Place near protective plants
- Keep feeders up all year in their range.
Research and Citizen Science
Current Studies
Scientists are studying:
- Changes in migration patterns
- How these birds adapt to cities
- Effects of climate change
- Breeding success factors.
Get Involved
You can help by joining:
- eBird monitoring
- Nest watch programmes
- Feeder watch projects
- Migration tracking studies.
Photography and Watching Tips
Best Practices
To observe and photograph these birds:
- Watch during early morning or late afternoon
- Use fast camera settings
- Follow bird-watching ethics
- Choose appropriate equipment.
Final Thoughts
Broad-billed Hummingbirds are fascinating members of the natural world, bringing colour and life to gardens and wild spaces alike. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply enjoy watching wildlife in your garden, these remarkable birds offer endless opportunities for observation and appreciation.
Have you spotted a Broad-billed Hummingbird in your garden or local area? Share your stories in the comments below, and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with other bird enthusiasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I attract Broad-billed Hummingbirds to my garden?
A: Create an inviting environment with native flowering plants, set up clean feeders with a 4:1 water-to-sugar mixture, and provide fresh water sources. Place feeders near protective plants where the birds can shelter.
Q: How long do Broad-billed Hummingbirds live?
A: These hummingbirds typically live 4-8 years in the wild, though some may live longer with good conditions and care.
Q: When is the best time to see their courtship displays?
A: The best time to observe courtship displays is between February and July, especially during early morning hours.
Q: Do they migrate?
A: Some populations migrate while others don’t. Northern populations often move south for winter, while Mexican populations may move up and down mountains seasonally.
Q: What should I plant to attract them?
A: Plant native flowers like Penstemmon, Salvia, Agave, Ocotillo, and Desert honeysuckle. These plants provide natural nectar sources that these hummingbirds prefer.
Citations:
- Semantic Scholar – Broad-billed Hummingbird.
- ResearchGate – Seasonal Distribution of Hummingbirds.
