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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.

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Appearance

Hummingbirds
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.

Range Map Help

Broad-tailed Hummingbird Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult male
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    Broad-tailed Hummingbird

    Adult male
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Estes Park, Colorado

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