The broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a small, colorful bird found primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite its bright plumage and remarkable flying abilities, there are concerns about potential threats facing the broad-billed hummingbird population.
Quick Facts
Here are some key facts about the broad-billed hummingbird:
- Scientific name: Cynanthus latirostris
- Average length: 3.5 inches
- Average wingspan: 4.3 inches
- Average weight: 0.1 ounces
- Average lifespan: 3-5 years
- Diet: Nectar, small insects
- Breeding season: December to June
- Nesting habitats: Trees, shrubs, vines
- Migration: Some populations migrate, others are year-round residents
- Major threats: Habitat loss, climate change, pesticides
- Conservation status: Least concern
Appearance and Behavior
The broad-billed hummingbird gets its name from its noticeably wide, short bill. Adult males have a metallic green throat and forehead, a white breast, and a bronze-green back and flanks. Females lack the bold green coloring and instead have light brown plumage on their back and pale, spotted throats. Both sexes have a distinctive broad dark tail band.
These tiny birds have fast-beating wings that allow them to hover in midair or fly backwards, sideways, and even upside down. Their wings beat up to 70 times per second, making the familiar buzzing hum. Broad-billed hummingbirds are highly territorial and aggressive, fiercely defending flower patches and feeders.
Habitat and Range
Broad-billed hummingbirds are found across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Their breeding habitat stretches from southern California to western Texas. Parts of their population migrate for the winter, traveling to Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. Others take up year-round residence in favorable habitats.
They prefer open desert scrub, woodlands, mountain canyons, and suburban gardens. Flowering plants like ocotillo, palo verde, and agave provide essential nectar. The availability of flowers influences their movement patterns.
| Months | Location |
|---|---|
| December – February | Mexico, Gulf Coast |
| March – June | Southwestern states (breeding season) |
| July – November | Southwestern states, Mexico |
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, broad-billed hummingbirds have high metabolisms and need to eat frequently. Their main food source is nectar from tubular, colorful flowers. Some favorite flower types include:
- Ocotillo
- Penstemon
- Lupine
- Columbine
- Trumpet vine
- Salvias
To obtain nectar, they use their specialized long tongues to dart in and out of flowers. If needed, they may also sip nectar from feeders containing sugar water mixtures.
Broad-billed hummingbirds get protein from eating small insects like gnats, fruit flies, spiders, and aphids. They capture insects by skillfully plucking them out of the air.
Unique Adaptations
Broad-billed hummingbirds have many specialized adaptations that allow them to hover and feed on nectar:
- Wings: Their wings connect to their shoulders to provide maximum power and maneuverability in flight. They can beat their wings up to 70 times per second.
- Feathers: Lightweight, streamlined feathers allow effortless motion and hovering.
- Bones: Light, hollow bones minimize weight.
- Feet: Small feet are used mainly for perching, not walking or hopping.
- Bill: The long, slender bill perfectly matches the shape of flowers.
- Tongue: Their extensible tongues have tube-like tips to lap up nectar.
- Metabolism: Very rapid breathing and heart rate provides energy for flight.
These specializations allow broad-billed hummingbirds to thrive on flower nectar despite being the smallest birds in the world.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for broad-billed hummingbirds lasts from December to June. To attract females, males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in loops and arcs or diving from heights. Mating occurs fairly quickly after pairing up.
Females build small, compact nests out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens. They lay two tiny white eggs and incubate them for 14-16 days. The eggs hatch asynchronously, meaning the chicks are different sizes. This leads the stronger chick to outcompete the smaller one for food.
Mother hummingbirds feed the chicks with regurgitated nectar and insects. After 20-26 days, the chicks are ready to fledge from the nest. By six weeks, they are independent.
Nesting Facts
- Nest cup is only 2 inches wide
- Built 3-20 feet above ground
- Female incubates eggs
- Hatching can occur 2 days apart
- Chicks fledge after 20-26 days
Threats and Conservation Status
Broad-billed hummingbirds face a few threats to their populations. However, they remain fairly common and widespread.
Habitat loss is one concern, as urbanization and agriculture diminish natural desert areas. Pesticides and herbicides also reduce insect prey and nectar sources.
Climate change may affect migration and breeding patterns. Hotter, drier conditions could desiccate flowers and decrease nectar availability.
Despite these threats, broad-billed hummingbird populations appear stable currently. They are listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to their large range and abundance.
To help protect broad-billed hummingbirds, conservation steps can include:
- Preserving native desert and scrub habitats
- Providing nectar feeders and native plants around yards
- Avoiding pesticide use
- Installing hummingbird-friendly water features
Careful monitoring of populations will also ensure this species remains resilient.
Conclusion
In summary, the broad-billed hummingbird is a thriving species across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its unique adaptations allow it to occupy an ecological niche reliant on specialized nectar-feeding. While broad-billed hummingbirds face some habitat pressures, their populations appear stable and they are categorized as Least Concern by conservation organizations.
Maintaining natural areas with native flowering plants and reducing pesticide use can help safeguard broad-billed hummingbird populations. These remarkable tiny birds continue to brighten yards and gardens across the Southwest with their flashy colors and energetic flight.
