Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world. Known for their incredibly fast wing beats, specialized beaks, and dazzling iridescent plumage, hummingbirds capture the imagination of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Two species in particular that generate a lot of interest are the broad-tailed hummingbird and the black-chinned hummingbird. These two hummingbirds have overlapping ranges across western North America and can often be found in the same areas during migration and the breeding season. However, there are some key differences between the broad-tailed hummingbird and the black-chinned hummingbird in terms of physical characteristics, habitat, diet, courtship displays, and more.
Physical Characteristics
In terms of physical characteristics, there are some noticeable differences between broad-tailed hummingbirds and black-chinned hummingbirds.
Size
The broad-tailed hummingbird is slightly larger than the black-chinned hummingbird. Broad-tailed hummingbirds measure 3.5-4.3 inches in length and have a wingspan of 4.7-5.1 inches. Black-chinned hummingbirds are more petite, measuring 3.5-3.9 inches in length with a wingspan of 4.3-4.7 inches.
Bill Shape
The bill shape also differs between the two species. Broad-tailed hummingbirds have a shorter, straight bill while black-chinned hummingbirds have a slightly longer bill that curves gently downward.
Plumage
In terms of plumage, adult males of both species have distinctive iridescent throat feathers called a gorget. The broad-tailed hummingbird male has a vivid rose-pink gorget while the black-chinned hummingbird male has a deep, vivid purple gorget with a black border below. Females and juveniles of both species lack a gorget and are more brownish-green overall with white markings along the throat and belly.
Tail Shape
One of the most obvious physical differences is in the tail shape. As the name suggests, broad-tailed hummingbirds have a particularly broad tail. The tail feathers are wide and rounded at the ends, giving the tail a very broad, fan-like appearance. Black-chinned hummingbirds have a much narrower, more tapered tail.
Geographic Range and Habitat
In addition to physical differences, the broad-tailed hummingbird and black-chinned hummingbird also differ in their geographic breeding ranges and preferred habitats.
Breeding Range
Broad-tailed hummingbirds breed farther north than black-chinned hummingbirds. The breeding range of broad-tailed hummingbirds extends across mountainous areas of the western United States including Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Black-chinned hummingbirds have a more southerly breeding distribution. They breed primarily in Texas, southern New Mexico and Arizona, southern California, and Mexico.
Winter Range
During winter, broad-tailed hummingbirds primarily migrate to Mexico while black-chinned hummingbirds overwinter in southern Arizona and Texas or migrate to western Mexico.
Habitat
Broad-tailed hummingbirds are strongly associated with higher elevation mountain meadows, pine-oak forests, and riparian areas during the breeding season. Black-chinned hummingbirds use a wider variety of habitats including desert washes, scrubland, forest edges, and mountain foothills. Both species frequent flowers in gardens and parks when migrating and in winter.
Diet
The diets of broad-tailed and black-chinned hummingbirds also show some differences:
Nectar
Like all hummingbirds, both species feed extensively on flower nectar. However, broad-tailed hummingbirds are most strongly associated with flowers in mountain meadows while black-chinned hummingbirds visit a wider variety of flowering plants across different habitat types.
Insects and Spiders
Both species supplement their diet with small insects and spiders, capturing them in flight or gleaning them from leaves and branches. This provides the key proteins and nutrients not present in nectar. Broad-tailed hummingbirds may eat more mosquitoes and other aquatic insects characteristic of their mountain habitat.
Sap
Broad-tailed hummingbirds have a stronger preference for tree sap than black-chinned hummingbirds. Broad-tailed hummingbirds have been observed drinking sap from holes drilled by sapsuckers. This sap provides an important food source early in spring before many flowers have bloomed.
Nectar Preferences
Research suggests some subtle differences in flower species preferences, perhaps related to differences in bill shape. Broad-tailed hummingbirds prefer flowers with shorter, straighter corollas like Indian paintbrush while black-chinned hummingbirds are more adept at nectaring at flowers with longer, curved corollas.
Breeding and Nesting
There are some key differences in the breeding ecology and nesting behaviors of these two hummingbird species:
Courtship Displays
Male broad-tailed hummingbirds perform dramatic courtship displays, flying in wide U-shaped or J-shaped dives up to 100 feet in the air. The wings whistle loudly during these spectacular dives. Male black-chinned hummingbirds perform a simpler courtship display, flying in a wide oval or circle 10-40 feet in the air around the female.
Nest Sites
Both species build small, compact nests out of plant down, spider webs, and lichen, but they often choose different nest sites. Broad-tailed hummingbird nests are usually placed higher up in trees along horizontal branches. Black-chinned hummingbirds often nest lower down along stream banks, in shrubs, or on low branches.
Clutch Size
Typical clutch size is smaller for broad-tailed hummingbirds, with females laying just 2 eggs per clutch. Black-chinned hummingbirds lay 2-3 eggs per clutch on average.
Nest Defense
Broad-tailed hummingbird females are known to be quite aggressive in defending their nest, diving at threats. Black-chinned hummingbird females may abandon the nest more readily when disturbed.
Migration
Broad-tailed hummingbirds migrate earlier in spring and summer than black-chinned hummingbirds, following the flowering patterns in mountain habitats. This likely reduces competition between the species.
Status and Conservation
There are also some conservation implications based on the differences between these species:
Population Status
Broad-tailed hummingbirds have a relatively small total population estimated at just 140,000 individuals. They face habitat loss issues in their limited mountain breeding areas. Black-chinned hummingbirds remain common and widespread with a global population estimated at 7,000,000 individuals.
Vulnerability to Climate Change
With climate change, broad-tailed hummingbirds may be more vulnerable if high elevation flower and nesting habitats are altered. One study found broad-tailed hummingbirds declined by an estimated 35% from 1971-2010. Black-chinned hummingbirds may be more resilient to climate change in their varied habitats.
Feeders
Providing nectar feeders with a concentration of 25% sugar water in either habitat helps provide supplemental food. Feeders should be cleaned regularly to avoid disease transmission between birds.
Habitat Protection
Protecting mountain meadows and riparian habitats from overgrazing by cattle and development helps provide essential protected areas for broad-tailed hummingbirds. Urban green spaces, gardens, and parks also help black-chinned hummingbirds. Limiting pesticide use aids both species.
Key Differences Summary
In summary, the key differences between broad-tailed and black-chinned hummingbirds include:
| Trait | Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Black-chinned Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Bill shape | Short, straight | Longer, curved |
| Plumage | Rose-pink male gorget | Purple male gorget |
| Tail shape | Broad, fan-shaped | Narrow, tapered |
| Breeding range | Mountainous western US | Southwestern US, Mexico |
| Habitat | Mountain meadows, pine forests | Varied, scrublands to mountains |
| Diet | More tree sap | More nectar diversity |
| Display | Dramatic dives | Ovals and circles |
| Nest sites | High branches | Low branches, shrubs |
| Clutch size | 2 eggs | 2-3 eggs |
| Conservation status | Smaller population, declining | Common, stable |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the broad-tailed hummingbird and black-chinned hummingbird share many common traits as members of the hummingbird family, they differ significantly in their physical features, geographic ranges, habitat preferences, diet, courtship behaviors, nesting ecology, and conservation status. Understanding these key differences helps bird enthusiasts identify these species in the field more easily. It also assists conservation efforts, highlighting the greater vulnerability of broad-tailed hummingbirds to climate change and habitat loss. With a combination of habitat protection and providing supplemental nectar sources, both of these incredible hummingbirds can continue brightening our landscapes with their dazzling colors and energetic flight for years to come.
