Common Name: Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Selasphorus platycercus
Range in North America: Summer breeder in the southwestern mountains of the United States, with populations reaching as far west as eastern California and as far north as southern Idaho.
At first glance, the broad-tailed hummingbird may seem identical to the eastern ruby-throated hummingbird, and indeed range is a key characteristic to distinguish between the two species. A closer look, however, reveals that broad-tailed hummingbirds have a rufous patch in their tails that ruby-throats lack. Female broad-tailed hummingbirds also show a light rufous wash on their flanks and streaking on the throat that female ruby-throated hummingbirds do not have.
In addition to plumage, a key characteristic to identify the broad-tailed hummingbird is the distinct "zinging" of its wings in flight. While many hummingbirds do produce a mild thrumming in flight, the male broad-tailed hummingbirds' wings are much louder and the sound more prominent.
Broad-tailed hummingbirds prefer meadows and other open habitats in the lower elevations of the mountains, though during migration they will regularly visit nectar feeders.
Photo © Charlie Jackson
