Perch Supply
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus. Nectar and insects.

Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)Broad-tailed HummingbirdSelasphorus platycercus
Scientific name
Selasphorus platycercus
Length
3.5–3.9 in
Weight
0.1 oz
Nest
Cup on a low branch under cover
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
2 eggs
Incubation
16–19 days
Broods
1–2 per season

Identification

  • Male rose-magenta throat
  • Green back and white chest
  • Male's wings make a metallic trill

Voice

Male's wing-trill is more familiar than its calls.

Diet and feeding

Nectar and insects.

What do broad-tailed hummingbirds eat? · Best feeder for broad-tailed hummingbirds

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
ArizonaSummer breederMay–July
ColoradoSummer breederJune–July
IdahoSummer breederJune–July
NevadaSummer breederJune–July
New MexicoSummer breederJune–July
TexasSummer breederMay–July
UtahSummer breederJune–July
WyomingSummer breederJuly

Frequently asked

What do broad-tailed hummingbirds eat?

Nectar and insects. At feeders: sugar water 1:4.

How big is a Broad-tailed Hummingbird?

3.5–3.9 in long and 0.1 oz.

Do broad-tailed hummingbirds use birdhouses?

No. Cup on a low branch under cover.

Sources

  1. Broad-tailed Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Broad-tailed Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Broad-tailed Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.