Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Selasphorus platycercus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="selasphorus-platycercus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized hummingbird (10 cm) found in mountain meadows of the western US from Idaho to Guatemala at 1,500-3,500 m. Males produce a distinctive metallic trilling sound with their tail feathers during display dives. Rose-magenta gorget. Nectarivore of mountain wildflowers.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 9.8 cm | 3.9 in |
| Weight | 3.4875000000000003 g | 0.12 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Copper-rumped Hummingbird: males with iridescent copper rump; metallic green above; glittering violet gorget; females green; spots
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in mountain meadows of western North America from Idaho to Guatemala at 1,500-3,500 m. Breeds in highlands; winters south.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore of high-altitude meadows, visiting paintbrush and Penstemon. Captures insects and spiders to supplement nectar intake.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 16-17 days. Fledging: 18-26 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Rapid, buzzy chips in excited sequence; rough staccato notes tumbling quickly with energetic quality near flowers.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | Selasphorus platycercus |
Distribution
Broad-tailed Hummingbird has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Broad-tailed Hummingbird eat?
Where does the Broad-tailed Hummingbird live?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family