BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD
Cynanthus latirostris
DESCRIPTION
Broad-Billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a strikingly colorful bird known for its vibrant plumage and broad, flat bill. This species exhibits a unique iridescent green and blue coloration, with a distinctive broad bill that aids in feeding on nectar from various flowers. They are known for their agile flight and territorial behavior, often seen hovering in front of flowers or chasing away intruders from their feeding areas.
FUN FACTS
- Broad-Billed Hummingbirds are capable of rapid wing beats, often exceeding 50 beats per second, allowing them to hover in place while feeding
- | These birds have excellent memories, which help them remember the locations of flowers they have visited, ensuring they can return to them when they are refilled with nectar
QUICK INFO
Lifespan3-5 years in the wild
Average Weight3-4 g
Average Length9-11 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuresolitary, often seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Broad-Billed Hummingbirds inhabit a variety of environments, including open woodlands, gardens, and scrublands. They are often found in areas with abundant flowering plants that provide their primary food source.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Tropical Rainforest, Grassland
- Native Range
- This species is native to parts of North America, particularly in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- Mexico, United States
- Diet
- They primarily feed on nectar from flowers, but also consume small insects and spiders for protein.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- nectar, small insects
- Social Structure
- solitary, often seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
3-4 g
Weight
9-11 cm
Length
- Coloration
- iridescent green and blue with a broad bill
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally more colorful than females
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Broad-Billed Hummingbirds is currently stable, with no significant declines reported.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion poses a threat to their populations. Additionally, climate change may impact the availability of flowering plants that provide their food.
- Predators
- Praying mantises, larger birds, and some reptiles are known to prey on hummingbirds, including the Broad-Billed Hummingbird.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use rapid flight and aggressive displays to defend their territory from intruders.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon