Cinnamon Hummingbird or Broad-Tailed Hummingbird?
Here's how to tell the difference
Cinnamon Hummingbird
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
Cinnamon Hummingbird
Amazilia rutila
General appearance
The cinnamon hummingbird is notable for its medium size, averaging about 4 inches in length, and its distinctive cinnamon-rufous coloration, which gives the species its name. Their beaks are mostly straight, with a slight curvature towards the end. Their underbellies are a lighter, almost whitish color. Adult feathers shine with a metallic sheen when hit by light.
Male vs female
Males and females roughly resemble each other but can be distinguished by the iridescencent green patch or gorget on the male's throat, absent in the female. Females also tend to be slightly larger in size. The tail of the female is rounded with white tips, a feature that is absent in males, whose tail feathers are uniformly colored.
Juvenile
Juvenile cinnamon hummingbirds feature a speckled appearance, with scattered green and white feathers interspersed with their cinnamon coloration. As they grow, these flecks slowly fade until their full adult plumage takes over. Their beaks, initially darker in color, turn red-orange with maturity.
Size
3.5 - 3.9 in/0.1 - 0.2 oz
There's more to learn about Cinnamon Hummingbird
View full detailsBroad-Tailed Hummingbird
Selasphorus platycercus
General appearance
The broad-tailed hummingbird measures 4-4 1/2 inches (10-11 cm) in length. It displays a unique coloration pattern with a green back, the sides, and distinct pearlescent hues. The tail is multi-pointed, notched, rounded, and square-tipped, embodying a rusty orange color. Their wings are narrow, rounded, and short, akin to that of a sparrow.
Male vs female
Males are identifiable with a rose-colored throat, contributing to their vibrant display. In contrast, females bear a green coat above with buff tones on the sides. They are distinguishable from the female Rufous Hummingbird by their larger tail. Seasonal variations in appearance may occur, particularly in males.
Juvenile
Juvenile broad-tailed hummingbirds retain a semblance to young male Anna's hummingbirds found in the western regions. Identification markers for juveniles are not specifically mentioned, but they are likely to possess less vibrant, more uniform coloration than adults, following the general pattern in avian species.
Size
3.3 - 3.8 in/0.1 oz
There's more to learn about Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
View full detailsHow to tell the Cinnamon Hummingbird from the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
Visual differences
The Cinnamon Hummingbird is notable for its warm cinnamon-rufous plumage and lighter underbelly, with a straight, slightly curved beak. It averages about 4 inches in length. The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird, slightly larger at 4-4.5 inches, features a green back with pearlescent hues and a rusty orange, multi-pointed tail. Males of each species have distinctive throats: Cinnamon has a green patch, while Broad-Tailed exhibits a rose-colored throat. Females of both species differ in size and tail coloration, with Cinnamon females having rounded tails with white tips.
Key differences and behavior
The Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila) thrives in tropical and subtropical lowlands, often in mangroves and deserts, while the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) prefers high-elevation mountainous regions up to 10,000 feet. Both species exhibit aerial courtship displays; however, the Broad-Tailed male's wings create a distinctive sound audible from 250 feet. The Cinnamon primarily consumes nectar from tubular flowers and some insects, frequents feeders with red coloring, and can adapt to arid conditions. The Broad-Tailed also favors nectar, with a strong preference for red tubular flowers, and relies on high-elevation environments with native plants availability. Nesting for both involves using spider silk, but Cinnamon Hummingbirds are found in denser foliage, while Broad-Tailed nests in higher, wooded areas.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
Cinnamon Hummingbird vs Anna's Hummingbird
Cinnamon Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Allen's Hummingbird
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Anna's Hummingbird
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
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