Here's Your Best Chance Of Spotting A Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are a popular species among both serious and backyard birders. Countless hummingbird feeders dot yards across America. Homeowners even cultivate plants to attract hummingbirds and install water features to keep them cool and hydrated. While their frantic movements keep observers entertained, the variety of hummingbirds adds to their appeal. There is practically a different species of hummingbird for every day of the year, as 365 species inhabit both North and South America. According to the American Bird Conservancy, two dozen of those can be found in the United States — 15 regular inhabitants and nine occasional visitors. Among them, the broad-tailed hummingbird rises to heights few other species dare to venture.

Broad-tailed hummingbirds occupy the mountainous forests of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Western United States. They typically are found in the Rocky Mountain region during the breeding season, as well as pre- and post-breeding migratory season. This means it is possible to see them in portions of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico from February through November, although the migration time period varies from year to year. The extreme southern reaches of Arizona and New Mexico have a year-round population of broad-tailed hummingbirds, as well. 

Broad-tailed hummingbirds like elevation — living as high as 10,500 feet above sea level in some areas. As one might expect, they are a bit hardier than other species of hummingbirds, as is necessary to handle the temperature swings that occur at those altitudes. However, what is most distinguishable about broad-tailed hummingbirds is the high-pitched, brassy trill they make as they fly.

With a population of 7.6 million, broad-tailed hummingbirds are considered fairly common in their natural range. However, their population is decreasing and, as mentioned above, they are seasonal visitors in much of the U.S. territory in which they are found. There are some things you can do, though, to increase your chances of seeing a broad-tailed hummingbird.

If you live outside their migratory path and seasonal range, you want to make sure to time your visit when there is a high concentration of them present at their destination. The migration tracking map on Hummingbird Central is an excellent tool to help with planning your visit during the ideal time. Once you arrive in the area, be sure to plan a hike that takes you on a route that is at the right elevation and near vegetation that broad-tailed hummingbirds are attracted to. These include plants such as sage, Indian paintbrushes, pussywillows, and honeysuckle. 

For those who live along the migratory route or in the seasonal range, attracting broad-tailed hummingbirds is very much the same as attracting other hummingbird species. Given that broad tail hummingbirds need to eat every 15 minutes, providing them a source of food is a good starting point. Utilizing feeders such as the Perky Pet Pinch-Waist Glass Feeder filled with Pennington Electronectar can help them supplement their diet of insects and natural nectar. You can also add flowering plants such as scarlet sage to your yard to help attract broad-tailed hummingbirds.