The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a small, brightly colored bird native to parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. Adults measure about 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length and weigh around 0.1 ounces (3 grams). These tiny birds are characterized by their broad, straight bills that are colored black on males and red on females.
In addition to their bills, the Broad-billed Hummingbird is easily recognized by its iridescent green upperparts and vibrant red underparts, which can be seen in males during breeding season. Females have more muted colors, with green upperparts and pale gray underparts. Both sexes have a white spot behind their eyes, and males also have a white crescent-shaped patch on their throats.
While Broad-billed Hummingbirds are primarily found in Mexico, they also migrate to parts of the southwestern United States during breeding season, typically arriving in Arizona and New Mexico in March and staying through the summer. They are often seen in desert habitats, particularly in areas with agave plants, which they use for nesting and feeding. During migration, they may also be found in pine-oak woodlands and other areas with flowering plants.
Broad-billed Hummingbirds are important pollinators, feeding on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They also eat small insects and spiders, which provide them with protein and other nutrients. Despite their small size, these birds are territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from other hummingbirds, as well as larger birds and animals.
In conclusion, the Broad-billed Hummingbird is a beautiful and unique bird that is easily recognized by its broad bill, iridescent green upperparts, and vibrant red underparts. It is a small bird that weighs only around 0.1 ounces (3 grams) and measures about 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length. These birds are migratory, with breeding populations found in parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. They are important pollinators and feeders, using their specialized bills to extract nectar from flowering plants and insects and spiders for protein.
