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

Song

Audio by Paul Marvin

There's more to learn about Anna'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

Anna's Hummingbird

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Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

General appearance

Feast your eyes on Anna's hummingbirds! These radiant beauties are a vibrant combination of elegant form and stunning color. Their body is adorned with green and grey shades, offering a subtle yet captivating sight. The lower body beams with a light grey-white color, balancing the otherwise rich tones. Despite their relatively small size of about 9cm, they own their presence, darting daringly through the skies.

Male vs female

Males and females of Anna's hummingbirds showcase a delightful color variation. The males steal the spotlight with their breath-taking iridescent crimson-red crowns and throats, shimmering brilliantly in direct sunlight. Their back is metallic green, a perfect contrast to their radiant front. The ladies, on the other hand, adorn a more modest attire of green on top and greyish white underneath. Some females may display a subtle touch of red marking on their throat, adding a dash of secret charm.

Juvenile

The juveniles initially mirror the females in coloration carrying the green-grey theme. But as they grow, the young male Anna's hummingbirds start developing their glamorous red feathers that herald their entry into adulthood. A hint of this transformation is their first indicator of age. Regardless of age, the Anna's hummingbirds keep their vibrant energy, embodying the spirit of free flight throughout their life!

Size

3.7 - 4.1 in/0.1 - 0.2 oz

There's more to learn about Anna'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 Anna's Hummingbird from the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Visual differences

Anna's Hummingbirds (3.7-4.1 in) are slightly smaller than Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds (4-4.5 in). Males of Anna's have a striking iridescent crimson-red crown and throat, while Broad-Tailed males feature a rose-colored throat. Anna's females are green above with grayish-white below, unlike Broad-Tailed females who have buff sides. Tail differences include Anna’s plain metallic green vs. Broad-Tailed’s rusty orange and multi-pointed shape. Both species have green backs, but wing sound is a distinct auditory identifier.

Key differences and behavior

Anna's Hummingbird and Broad-Tailed Hummingbird exhibit distinct behaviors and habitat preferences. Anna's, common in lowlands, performs dramatic 12-second dive displays during courtship and nests as early as December, utilizing city parks and coastal settings. They thrive on nectar and insects from diverse flowers and frequent feeders. Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds, however, inhabit high mountainous regions, showcasing unique wing-produced sounds audible up to 250 feet. Their courtship involves complex aerial displays, and they usually nest in montane meadows. Both species rely on nectar and insects, but Broad-Tailed prefer red tubular flowers. While Anna's Hummingbirds frequent feeders, Broad-Tailed use feeders when natural sources are scarce, especially during migrations through semi-open lowlands.

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

Anna's Hummingbird vs Black-Chinned Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

A year-round hummer with a brilliant pink throat.

Black-Chinned Hummingbird

A tiny hummer with an iridescent surprise.

Anna's Hummingbird vs Costa’s Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

A year-round hummer with a brilliant pink throat.

Costa’s Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

A year-round hummer with a brilliant pink throat.

Rufous Hummingbird

A feisty, fiery-colored hummingbird.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

A feisty, fiery-colored hummingbird.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Allen's Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Allen's Hummingbird

A tiny, zippy flier with an orange glow.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird vs Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

A dazzling, fast-moving nectar lover.