Allen&#x27;s Hummingbird or Broad-Tailed Hummingbird ?

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

Call

Audio by Richard E. Webster

/ CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

There's more to learn about Allen's Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

How to recognise a broad-tailed hummingbird?

General appearance

The broad-tailed hummingbird measures 4-4 1/2 inches (10-11 cm) in length. It displays a unique coloration pattern with a green back, the sides, and distinct pearlescent hues. The tail is multi-pointed, notched, rounded, and square-tipped, embodying a rusty orange color. Their wings are narrow, rounded, and short, akin to that of a sparrow.

Male vs female

Males are identifiable with a rose-colored throat, contributing to their vibrant display. In contrast, females bear a green coat above with buff tones on the sides. They are distinguishable from the female Rufous Hummingbird by their larger tail. Seasonal variations in appearance may occur, particularly in males.

Juvenile

Juvenile broad-tailed hummingbirds retain a semblance to young male Anna's hummingbirds found in the western regions. Identification markers for juveniles are not specifically mentioned, but they are likely to possess less vibrant, more uniform coloration than adults, following the general pattern in avian species.

Size

3.3 - 3.8 in/0.1 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The broad-tailed hummingbird typically breeds in mountainous regions, up to elevations exceeding 10,000 feet. They primarily occupy open forests, especially ones situated near streams. These forests generally include pine-oak, pinyon-juniper woods, as well as spruce, Douglas-fir, and aspen trees.

Additional range

In addition to mountains, these hummingbirds also migrate through all semi-open habitats within these regions. Interestingly, they are known to make stopovers in lowlands.

Range Map

What do broad-tailed hummingbirds like to eat?

Natural diet

The broad-tailed hummingbird primarily consumes nectar from flowers, showing a preference for red tubular flowers. In addition to nectar, it also feeds on tiny insects.

Bird feeders

This hummingbird is attracted to sugar-water mixtures typically offered in hummingbird feeders.

What does a broad-tailed hummingbird sound like?

The broad-tailed hummingbird produces a variety of vocalizations, typically consisting of sharp "chick" sounds. Its signature call, often heard during flight, presents a pattern that is usually flat. This bird's communication repertoire also includes chirping or chipping sounds and a distinctive trill. Overall, its vocalizations are sharp, clear, and consistent, contributing to its unique auditory presence.

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

There's more to learn about Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Allen's Hummingbird

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Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

General appearance

The Allen's hummingbird is a small species, measuring between 3-3 1/2" (8-9 cm), roughly the size of a Sparrow. The bird displays a variety of colors including black, green, orange, red, and white. Its physical features consist of a multi-pointed, rounded, and wedge-shaped tail, with narrow, rounded and short wings.

Male vs female

Mature males have coloration similar to a Rufous Hummingbird, with the notable distinction of a green back. However, Rufous Hummingbirds can also display green backs making identifying Allen's challenging outside of their typical range. The females and young of the species are completely identical to their Rufous counterparts.

Juvenile

The juvenile Allen's hummingbirds inherit the identical appearance of the female and are similar to Rufous younglings, so identifying them can potentially be difficult. Instead, their range of habitat can provide a decent clue towards proper identification.

Size

3.0 - 3.5 in/0.1 oz

There's more to learn about Allen's Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

General appearance

The broad-tailed hummingbird measures 4-4 1/2 inches (10-11 cm) in length. It displays a unique coloration pattern with a green back, the sides, and distinct pearlescent hues. The tail is multi-pointed, notched, rounded, and square-tipped, embodying a rusty orange color. Their wings are narrow, rounded, and short, akin to that of a sparrow.

Male vs female

Males are identifiable with a rose-colored throat, contributing to their vibrant display. In contrast, females bear a green coat above with buff tones on the sides. They are distinguishable from the female Rufous Hummingbird by their larger tail. Seasonal variations in appearance may occur, particularly in males.

Juvenile

Juvenile broad-tailed hummingbirds retain a semblance to young male Anna's hummingbirds found in the western regions. Identification markers for juveniles are not specifically mentioned, but they are likely to possess less vibrant, more uniform coloration than adults, following the general pattern in avian species.

Size

3.3 - 3.8 in/0.1 oz

There's more to learn about Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

How to tell the Allen's Hummingbird from the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Visual differences

Allen's Hummingbirds are smaller, measuring about 3-3 1/2 inches, compared to the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird's 4-4 1/2 inches. Allen's males have a green back with a rufous appearance, while Broad-Tailed males have a rose-colored throat and a rusty orange tail with distinct green back and sides. Female Broad-Tailed are larger with buff sides, unlike the smaller Allen's females. Both species have narrow, rounded wings, but the Broad-Tailed has a notched, square-tipped orange tail. Allen's tail is multi-pointed and wedge-shaped.

Key differences and behavior

Allen's and Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds exhibit distinct behaviors and preferences. Allen's Hummingbirds, weighing 0.07-0.14 ounces, are notorious for their aggression and excellent memory of flower locations. They thrive in semi-open areas and migrate to Mexico in winter, performing a J-shaped flight during courtship. Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds, slightly heavier at 0.11-0.14 ounces, breed in high-altitude open forests, showcasing elaborate aerial displays with distinctive wing sounds for courtship. Both species consume nectar and insects, favoring red tubular flowers, but Allen's Hummingbirds are highly aggressive at feeders. Their nesting behaviors are similar, with females solely incubating eggs and feeding chicks, though Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds favor montane meadows. Allen's Hummingbirds prefer lower altitude semi-open habitats compared to the mountainous regions of Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds.

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

Allen's Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird

Allen's Hummingbird

A tiny, zippy flier with an orange glow.

Rufous Hummingbird

A feisty, fiery-colored hummingbird.

Allen's Hummingbird vs Calliope Hummingbird

Allen's Hummingbird

A tiny, zippy flier with an orange glow.

Calliope Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

A feisty, fiery-colored hummingbird.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Anna's Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

A year-round hummer with a brilliant pink throat.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

A dazzling, fast-moving nectar lover.