Broad-Billed Hummingbird

cynanthus latirostris

The Broad-Billed Hummingbird is a dazzling and energetic miniature bird known for its brilliant colors and feisty demeanor. Males boast a shimmering metallic-green body, a vibrant sapphire-blue throat, and a distinctive bright reddish-orange beak with a dark tip. Females are more understated but elegant, with a pale grey breast and a white stripe behind the eye. This species is famous for its highly territorial nature, vigorously defending its feeding spots from other hummingbirds and even larger birds. Observed darting from flower to flower with incredible precision, this hummingbird is a favorite among birdwatchers in its native arid and riparian environments. For quick identification of Broad-Billed Hummingbird during outdoor trips, download the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in arid scrublands, canyon riparian woodlands, and dry oak forests, often near desert streams or suburban gardens.

Appearance

Measuring about 9 to 10 centimeters in length with a wingspan of roughly 12 to 13 centimeters, this small hummingbird is easily identified by its broad, bright red-orange bill with a dark tip. The adult male has a brilliant metallic green back and belly, contrasting beautifully with a deep blue throat and a slightly notched black tail. The female has a duller green back, light grey underparts, and a distinct white line behind each eye, though she retains a touch of red at the base of her bill.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderApodiformesFamilyTrochilidaeGenusCynanthus

Broad-Billed Hummingbird

Interesting facts

The broad-billed hummingbird can beat its wings over 50 times per second during normal flight, and even faster during courtship displays.

Their nests are tiny, cup-like structures constructed from bark, leaves, and spider webs, which stretch to accommodate the growing chicks.

Unlike many other bird species, the broad-billed hummingbird does not sing a traditional song, but instead communicates using dry, chattering 'tinkling' calls.

Special abilities

During mating season, males perform a dramatic display by flying back and forth in a wide, pendulum-like arc in front of a watching female.

They possess specialized shoulder joints that allow their wings to rotate 180 degrees, enabling them to hover in place, fly backwards, and even upside down.

To conserve energy during cold desert nights, they can lower their body temperature and slow their metabolic rate into a deep, sleep-like state called torpor.