Broad-Billed Hummingbird or Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem?

General appearance

The broad-billed hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird known for its vivid coloration and striking bill. It features a broad, red bill with a dark tip, making it easily recognizable. The plumage showcases brilliant emerald green coloration that shimmers in sunlight, complemented by a bluish throat.

Male vs female

Males possess more vivid plumage compared to females, with a noticeable bright blue throat and shimmering green body. Females are less colorful, often displaying a duller green back and a white or greyish throat. Both sexes have the characteristic red bill, although females may exhibit a slightly shorter and less intensely colored beak.

Juvenile

Juvenile broad-billed hummingbirds typically exhibit a duller version of the adults’ plumage. They often lack the vivid blue throats seen in adult males and can display a grey or buff-colored throat. Identifying juveniles in the wild can be challenging due to their resemblance to females, with a less developed, muted color palette.

Primary habitat

The broad-billed hummingbird predominantly inhabits semi-open habitats at altitudes of 3,000-5,000 feet in Arizona. Its preferred terrain features streamside groves of sycamore or cottonwood, dense mesquite thickets, and open oak woodlands in lower canyons.

Additional range

In winters, this species adapts to arid environments, commonly found along streams in desert regions.

Natural diet

The broad-billed hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from flowers, favoring red or orange tubular flowers like bouvardia and desert honeysuckle. Additionally, it consumes a variety of tiny insects.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the broad-billed hummingbird often feeds on sugar-water mixtures, which supplement its natural diet.