The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird is a fascinating bird known for its shimmering green feathers and unique, high-pitched trilling sound. If you’re in the western mountains of North America, especially during spring and summer, you might spot this tiny, energetic bird darting around flowers or feeders. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just curious about nature, knowing how to identify this species by sight and sound can be an exciting experience.
How to Identify a Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
1. Appearance
The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird is a small bird with striking colors:
- Males: Bright emerald-green back, a white chest, and a stunning iridescent pink throat (called a gorget).
- Females & Juveniles: Greenish backs with a pale belly, but without the flashy pink throat.
These birds have long, slender beaks perfect for sipping nectar from flowers. Their tails are broad and slightly rounded, giving them their name.
2. Sound: The Signature Trill
One of the easiest ways to recognize a Broad-Tailed Hummingbird is by its sound. When flying, males produce a distinct metallic trilling noise caused by air rushing through their wing feathers. This unique sound helps them attract mates and defend their territory.
- Fun Fact: Their wings beat about 50 times per second, making them incredibly fast and agile.
Where and When to Spot Them
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds are commonly found in the mountainous regions of the western United States, from Arizona and Colorado to Montana and Idaho. During migration, they may also pass through parts of Mexico.
- Spring & Summer: Breeding season (April to August) is the best time to see them. They prefer meadows, forests, and gardens at higher elevations (5,000–10,000 feet).
- Fall & Winter: Many migrate south to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America.
How to Attract Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds
Want to invite these beautiful birds into your garden? Here’s what you can do:
1. Plant Flowering Plants
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds love nectar! Grow brightly colored, tubular flowers like:
- Columbines
- Penstemons
- Salvia
- Indian Paintbrush
2. Set Up a Hummingbird Feeder
Fill a feeder with a simple sugar-water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Avoid red dyes, as they can be harmful.
3. Provide Fresh Water & Shelter
Hummingbirds need fresh water to drink and bathe. Adding a birdbath or misting fountain can attract them. Trees and shrubs also provide safe resting spots.
The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird is a small but remarkable bird known for its dazzling colors and signature trilling sound. Whether you’re exploring mountain trails or watching from your backyard, these birds bring excitement and beauty to nature lovers. By planting nectar-rich flowers and setting up feeders, you can create a welcoming space for them. Keep your eyes open and ears tuned—you might just spot one soon!
FAQ’s
How can I recognize a Broad-Tailed Hummingbird?
Look for a small bird with a green back, white chest, and, in males, a pink throat. Listen for their high-pitched trilling sound when they fly.
Where do Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds live?
They are commonly found in the western mountain regions of North America during summer and migrate to Mexico for the winter.
What do Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds eat?
Their diet consists of nectar from flowers, small insects, and tree sap. They also visit feeders filled with sugar water.
How can I attract Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds to my garden?
Plant nectar-rich flowers, set up a hummingbird feeder with sugar water, and provide fresh water sources like a birdbath or misting fountain.
What makes their wings produce a trilling sound?
The sound is caused by air passing through their wing feathers as they fly. Males use this sound to attract mates and defend their territory.
Do Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds migrate?
Yes, they breed in the U.S. mountains during summer and migrate to Mexico and Central America for the winter.
