Cynanthus latirostris lawrencei (von Berlepsch, 1887)

Taxonomic Identification

This subspecies is the broad-billed hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris lawrencei, a small hummingbird.

Size Measurements

It measures approximately 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in) in length, weighs 3–4 grams (with males being slightly heavier than females), and has an average wingspan of around 13 cm (5.1 in).

Bill Structure

It has a long, bright reddish bill that ends in a black tip.

Dorsal Coloration

All individuals have metallic green coloration on their dorsal sides, with duller coloring on the crown and forehead.

Sexual Dimorphism Note

This hummingbird is sexually dimorphic, meaning adult males and females differ significantly in appearance.

Adult Male Plumage

Adult males are dark green with white undertail-coverts, a blue throat, a broad blackish-blue tail, and brownish-gray flight feathers.

Adult Male Morphometrics

Their bill is shorter but brighter red than that of females, and both juvenile and adult males have larger wings and tails than females.

Adult Female Features

Adult females have a pale belly, a white eyestripe behind the eye, and white-tipped tail feathers.

Juvenile Baseline Coloration

Juvenile coloring typically resembles that of adult females.

Juvenile Male Development

Over time, juvenile males develop redder bills and iridescent throat feathers.

Juvenile Male Tail Trait

Unlike females, juvenile males do not have white-tipped tails.

Hatchling Appearance

Newly hatched broad-billed hummingbirds have a brown body, orange downy feathers, and an orange bill.

Plumage Maturation Timeline

Little is known about wild hatchlings, but captive juveniles grow full adult plumage within 6–8 months of hatching.

General Distribution Range

In terms of distribution and habitat, this hummingbird ranges from the southwestern United States south to central Mexico.

US Habitat Preferences

In the United States, the nominate subspecies C. l. latirostris occurs along streamsides and in oak woodlands, preferring streamside groves, dense vegetation, and open oak woodlands in lower canyons.

Favored Vegetation Species

It favors areas with Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii), Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), and mesquite.

US Breeding Range

Breeding populations are confirmed in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and occur rarely in southwestern Texas.

Accidental US Sightings

Rare accidental sightings have been recorded across the continent, including in Arkansas.

Mexican Elevation Range

In Mexico, specimens have been collected at nearly all elevations, ranging from 1494 to 3048 meters above sea level.

Pacific Coast Mexican Habitat

Along the Pacific coast of Mexico, it is a common resident in arid thorn forests, tropical deciduous forests, and riparian gallery forests.

Breeding Season Habitat

During the breeding season, it is commonly found in desert canyons and low mountain oak woodlands.

Sonora Population Status

In the Mexican state of Sonora, it is the most common hummingbird species.