Selasphorus platycercus (Swainson, 1827)

Scientific Name and Classification

The broad-tailed hummingbird, scientifically named Selasphorus platycercus (Swainson, 1827), is a medium-sized hummingbird.

Size and Weight

It measures 4 inches (10 cm) in length, has an overall wingspan of 5.25 inches (13.3 cm), and weighs around 3.6 grams (0.13 oz), with females tending to be slightly larger than males.

Shared Adult Traits

Both adult sexes have an iridescent green back, a white eye ring, and a rounded black tail that projects beyond their wing tips — this distinctive tail is the source of the species' common name.

Sexual Dimorphism

This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics.

Male Plumage

Males have a characteristic bright rose-red gorget, and the white eye ring is a useful identification feature for the species.

Female Plumage

Females can be told apart from males by their paler overall coloration, cinnamon-colored flanks, and spotted cheeks, which males do not have.

Forest Habitat

This hummingbird occurs in the understory or beneath tree canopies of pine and oak woodland.

Foraging Habitat

It forages in open areas with flowers, or in grasslands situated among trees and shrubs.

Breeding Habitat

Its breeding habitat is primarily located in subalpine meadows, foothills, montane valleys, and stands of aspen or spruce.

Summer Range

During the summer, the broad-tailed hummingbird is found from Guatemala to Mexico, as well as in the western United States and Western Canada.

Winter Range

Its wintering range is centered in southern Mexico and Guatemala.

Breeding Range Extent

The breeding range of the species extends from central Montana in the north to Guatemala in the south.

Accidental Migrants

While broad-tailed hummingbirds have been observed in British Columbia, these individuals are considered accidental migrants, and there is no evidence that the species breeds at these northern latitudes.