Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Broad-billed Hummingbird -- Cynanthus latirostris

RANGE: Breeds from southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and very locally in western Texas south through Mexico. Winters in Mexico, casually north to southern Arizona.

STATUS: Common.

HABITAT: Prefers desert mountain canyons, riparian woodlands, and higher desert washes, especially where sycamores, cottonwoods, willows, and mesquite are present.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Red or red and yellow flowers for nectar.

NEST: Places nest on a branch of a small tree, or a stalk of a vine or shrub, usually 4 to 7 feet above the ground.

FOOD: Prefers to feed on nectar from red, or red and yellow flowers such as ocotillo, paintbrushes, and others. Also gleans small insects and spiders from the undersides of branches and leaves.

REFERENCES: Cottam and Knappen 1939, Johnsgard 1983b, Moore 1939, Terres 1980, Terrill in Farrand 1983b.

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