More On Hummingbirds — Broad-tailed
(click on a photo to enlarge)
There are three species of hummingbirds that I haven’t completely covered yet so we’ll address those here and in the next post and then move on to the nocturnal hummingbird feeder visitors — bats.
September has arrived and we’re still seeing our contingent of 7 hummingbird species. I thought the Broad-billeds had moved on but I’ve seen at least two in the past few days. At least one Lucifer is still with us. We’ve counted upwards of 100 hummingbirds at our four feeders this past week. They say it’s an unusual year. We feel lucky to be here to witness this.
You don’t even have to see this hummingbird to know it’s around. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird announces its presence with a high-pitched bell-like trill caused by modified wing-tip feathers. Not that you wouldn’t notice the stunning cherry red gorget contrasting with the white breast of the male as he buzzes around the yard.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird, male (Selasphorus platycercus)
Broad-taileds belong to the same genus, Selasphorus, as Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds but, thankfully, have very distinct features which, unlike the other two species, make them easy to identify. They’re also not the trouble-makers that their cousins, the Rufous Hummingbirds, are at feeders. Broad-taileds have pretty good manners for a hummingbird. They are common nesters in the Rocky Mountains and are migrating through our area with a destination as far south as Guatemala. We have a half-dozen or so at our feeders.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird, male (Selasphorus platycercus)
So how did they get the name “Broad-tailed? It’s certainly not all that obvious that the tail is any broader than other hummingbird species, at least to my eye. It is a long tail though and extends well past the wingtips when the wings are folded.
Tail of male Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Note the rufous web (edge) on the outer side of most of the tail feathers and the grass green to blue-green back feathers.
Long tail and back feathers of Male Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The female can be recognized by her long tail, grass-green back, rufous wash on the flanks and even stippling on the throat. You can just see a hint of rufous on the outer edge of her tail feathers if you enlarge the photo below.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird, female
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