Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus ORDER: APODIFORMES FAMILY: TROCHILIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A hummingbird of subalpine meadows, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird ranges across the south-central Rockies in summer. It possesses a number of physiological and behavioral adaptations to survive cold nights, including the ability to enter torpor, slowing its heart rate and dropping its body temperature.

For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Hummingbirds

Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small bird; medium-sized hummingbird. Shiny green upperparts. Adult male has red throat. Adult female has white throat speckled with iridescent green or bronze.

Immature Description

Resembles adult female, with more spotting on throat.

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Similar Species

Female Broad-tailed Hummingbird has plumage like Allen's and Rufous hummingbirds, but has a longer, broader tail. Adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has redder throat, with black, not white chin.

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