The broad tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is a small, colorful bird found primarily in the western United States and Mexico. This agile flier is known for its shrill, buzzing wingbeats and aerial courtship displays. While not currently considered globally endangered, broad tailed hummingbird populations have declined in some areas, prompting conservation concerns.
Quick Facts on Broad Tailed Hummingbirds
- Scientific Name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Other Common Names: Broadtail hummingbird, plateau hummingbird
- Size: 3-4 inches long, with a wingspan of 4.5 inches
- Color Pattern: Iridescent reddish-pink body, white breast, green back, square tail with white tips on male
- Geography: Breeds in the mountainous western U.S. and migrates to Mexico for winter
- Habitat: Meadows, canyons, mountain forests
- Diet: Nectar, small insects and spiders
- Unique Features: Shrill wing trill, elaborate diving displays during courtship
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Range and Habitat
The breeding range of the broad tailed hummingbird extends from southern British Columbia in Canada southward through the mountainous regions of the western United States including Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona. They are common summer residents in coniferous forests, mountain meadows, and riparian canyons at elevations between 5,000-12,000 feet.
During winter, broad tailed hummingbirds migrate through Texas and New Mexico into Mexico. Their winter range includes the highland regions of central Mexico south to Oaxaca. Though some individuals may remain year-round in warmer parts of their breeding range, most migrate south to overwinter.
Ideal Habitat Conditions
Preferred broad tailed hummingbird habitat provides:
- Areas of flowering plants that provide nectar
- Insects for catching
- Trees, shrubs, and mountain meadows
- Higher elevation cooler climates in summer
- Water sources
- Protected nesting sites such as trees and shrubs
Population and Conservation Status
Broad tailed hummingbirds are considered common throughout most of their breeding range and have a large estimated global population. The total population is estimated at about 3.5 million individuals. However, the Breeding Bird Survey indicates that in recent decades, populations have declined significantly in some areas, particularly along the California coast.
These declines are believed to be caused by urbanization and habitat loss, as well as climate shifts that have reduced food availability. Despite regional decreases, broad tailed hummingbirds remain relatively abundant across their broad geographic range and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Population Trends by Region
| Region | Population Trend |
|---|---|
| California Coast | Declining -2.7% per year |
| Intermountain West | Stable to increasing up to +2.1% per year |
| Pacific Northwest | Declining -1.5% per year |
| Southwestern U.S. | Stable to increasing up to +1.2% per year |
Threats and Conservation Challenges
Some threats and challenges facing broad tailed hummingbird populations include:
- Habitat loss from human development, logging, grazing, and wildfires in mountain areas
- Climate change impacts on flowering plants and nesting
- Increased competition for food from other hummingbird species
- Spread of insect pests that kill flowers
- Collision threats from buildings and towers
Conservation priorities for broad tailed hummingbirds include protecting high elevation breeding habitat, maintaining migratory corridors, and planting nectar-rich native flowers. Citizen science monitoring programs also help track population trends. While not currently endangered, active conservation measures are needed to protect broad tailed hummingbirds in vulnerable parts of their range.
Physical Description
The broad tailed hummingbird is a small, compact bird measuring 3 to 4 inches in length. Males weigh approximately 2-3 grams on average, and females average 3-4 grams. Wingspans range from 4 to 4.5 inches across.
Distinctive features of the broad tailed hummingbird include:
- Short straight bill
- Small head and body
- Long wings relative to size
- Short tail with white spotting
- Male has iridescent reddish-pink throat and crown, white breast
- Female has pale whitish throat, green back
- Immature similar to female
In flight, these energetic hummers have a distinctive buzzing trill from their wings beating up to 100 times per second during courtship dives. The broad tailed hummingbird also has a chipping call used for communication.
Coloration and Markings
Male broad tailed hummingbirds are brilliantly colored with iridescent reddish-pink throats, crowns, and flanks. The back and uppertail are emerald green. The breast and belly are white with some green spotting on the sides. The wings are dusky brown. The outer tail feathers have teardrop shaped white spots at the tips.
Females lack the bright reddish-pink and have white throats, light grey underparts, green backs, and white-tipped tails. Immature males resemble adult females until acquiring their full colors by one year of age. The bill, eyes, and feet are black on both sexes.
This distinct coloration plays an important role in mating displays, camouflage, and communication. The vibrant gorget feathers allow males to communicate dominance and fitness when flashed at other hummingbirds. The white tail spots likely help startle insect prey. Female and immature plumage provides camouflage while incubating and raising young.
Diet and Feeding
Like all hummingbirds, broad tailed hummingbirds have high metabolisms and rely on sugary flower nectar for energy. They also eat small insects and spiders to obtain protein, minerals, and nutrients. Feeding strategies include:
- Lapping nectar from flowers using their long extensible tongues
- Hunting insects in flight or gleaning them from leaves and bark
- Maneuverable flight allows accessing nectar from different shaped flowers
- Visits many flowering plant species along migration routes and breeding habitat
- Preferred mountain flowers include larkspur, columbine, paintbrush, fireweed, salvias
Broad tailed hummingbirds play an important ecological role by pollinating wildflowers as they feed. Their wings beat against the flower reproductive parts, dispersing pollen for plant reproduction. This hummingbird-flower relationship benefits both species.
These hummingbirds have good memories and return to productive nectar sources. If food is limited, they may enter torpor to conserve energy. Like other hummers, broad tailed hummingbirds lick sap wells drilled by sapsucker woodpeckers for extra nourishment. Feeders with sugar water help supplement natural nectar sources.
Behavior at Feeders
Broad tailed hummingbirds are bold and territorial visitors at nectar feeders, chasing other hummers away. Observed feeder behaviors include:
- Perching nearby waiting for a chance to feed
- Quickly darting in to drink nectar when other birds leave
- Males performing courtship displays near feeders
- Aggressively defending feeder territory from intruders
- Feeding on small insects around feeders
- Females may be less aggressive than males
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Broad tailed hummingbirds have a dynamic breeding cycle adapted to seasonal mountain habitats:
Courtship
In late spring, males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, including:
- Climbing swiftly up to 130 feet then diving straight down while making a loud wing trill
- Wide swooping U-shaped dives with clicking sounds
- Hovering in front of females with wings trembling before chasing females in flight
- Flashing their iridescent throat feathers
If receptive, females may respond with their own flight displays. Pairs are monogamous for a breeding cycle but may seek new mates in subsequent years.
Nesting
The female broad tailed hummingbird is solely responsible for selecting the nest site, gathering materials, and constructing the small cup-shaped nest. Nest facts include:
- Built on a horizontal branch or structure 3-100 feet above ground
- Tiny, only 1.5 inches wide and 1 inch high
- Constructed with soft plant down, bud scales, and bound with spider silk
- Decorated with lichens on the outside for camouflage
Eggs
Within a week after mating, the female lays two tiny white eggs in the nest, only about the size of jellybeans.
Incubation
The female incubates the eggs alone for 16-17 days. To conserve energy, she may enter torpor at night when temperatures drop. She leaves the nest only briefly during this period.
Hatchlings
The helpless chicks hatch over 2-3 days. Their eyes are closed and they have only a bit of soft down. The female continues brooding them in the nest, keeping them warm and safe.
Fledging
After 20-23 days in the nest, the young hummingbirds are ready to fledge. They weigh only 2-3 grams at this point! The female continues feeding them with regurgitated nectar and insects as they learn to fly skillfully and gain independence over the next few weeks.
Migration
By late summer, broad tailed hummingbirds prepare to migrate south. Young birds hatched earlier in summer migrate first, followed by adults and late season hatchlings. They follow established routes through mountain passes and river valleys back to wintering grounds.
Interactions with Humans
Broad tailed hummingbirds readily adapt to the presence of humans. They frequent gardens, parks, and feeders in mountain towns within their range. Some key interactions include:
- Attraction to nectar feeders where they entertain people with their aerial displays
- Pollination of garden flowering plants when feeding
- Nesting on cabins and buildings that provide structures and cover
- Declines near development that destroys native mountain habitat
- Collision threats from towers and windows
- Positive response to native plant landscaping and gardens
This species has flourished in areas where humans provide supplemental nectar feeders and preserve natural habitat. However, some populations near expanding cities face challenges from development. Conserving mountain meadows, forests, and canyon streams helps support healthy broad tailed hummingbird communities sharing the landscape with humans.
Fun Facts About Broad Tailed Hummingbirds
Beyond the basics, broad tailed hummingbirds have some intriguing biological traits and behaviors:
- Heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute while in flight
- Wings can beat up to 100 times per second
- Only bird species where males lack song and do not sing
- Torpor allows saving energy overnight by lowering body temperature and heart rate
- Antifreeze-like substances in blood help prevent freezing
- Preen oil collected from uropygial gland provides waterproofing
- Tongues have tube-like structures to lap up nectar
- Can see ultraviolet light patterns on flowers
- Males perform dives at high speeds up to 27 miles per hour
Research is still uncovering new aspects of broad tailed hummingbird biology, anatomy, and behavior in the wild. These energetic, acrobatic birds continue to fascinate scientists and birdwatchers alike.
Conservation Outlook
While broad tailed hummingbird populations appear stable across most of their range, potential threats from climate change, habitat loss, and urbanization in key areas raise conservation concerns for the future. Some recommended actions to help protect broad tailed hummingbirds include:
- Protecting breeding and nesting habitat in mountain forests and meadows from excessive logging, grazing, and development
- Maintaining natural wildflower areas that provide essential nectar sources
- Adding native plantings on properties and minimizing pesticide use
- Installing screens on windows and reducing tower collisions
- Participating in citizen science monitoring programs such as the Breeding Bird Survey
- Supporting groups conserving hummingbird habitat like the Audubon Society and American Bird Conservancy
While broad tailed hummingbirds still thrive in much of their historic mountain range, active conservation measures are needed to ensure healthy populations on the breeding and wintering grounds in the decades ahead. This colorful hummingbird species deserves our support to preserve its unique western habitats.
Conclusion
The broad tailed hummingbird relies on specialized mountain habitat across the western United States and Mexico. While still relatively abundant, populations have declined in some areas due to urban growth, climate shifts, and habitat loss. However, this diminutive bird adapts readily to human presence and flourishes in many developed areas. Maintaining native plant communities that provide food sources and nesting sites is key to supporting broad tailed hummingbirds sharing the landscape with humans. Though not currently endangered broadly, active conservation efforts are still needed to ensure the future of these energetic pollinators and aerial display artists. With appropriate habitat protections, broad tailed hummingbirds will continue gracing mountains each summer with their zipping flight and shrill wing beats into the future.
