Broad-billed Hummingbird

A Mexican species whose range crosses the border into the sky-island canyons of southeastern Arizona — and a big reason birders make the pilgrimage. The male looks dipped in ink: deep sapphire-and-emerald body with a startling red-orange bill.

Range

Southeastern Arizona (and barely southwest New Mexico) in canyon riparian woodland — Madera, Ramsey, and Sabino canyons are strongholds. Most winter in Mexico; a few linger at Arizona feeders.

Migration timing

Returns to Arizona canyons in early March, breeds through the summer monsoon, and mostly departs by late September. Increasingly recorded in winter at Tucson-area feeders.

How to identify one

• Male: glittering blue throat blending into green body, red bill with black tip
• Female: gray below with a white eyestripe and the same reddish bill base — bill color separates her from every look-alike
• Frequently wags its tail, parakeet-like, while feeding

At the feeder

A canyon-country feeder in southeast Arizona — especially near sycamore-lined streams — can host Broad-billed daily from March through September. They share space with a dozen other species there, so multiple feeders spread the peace.

Where to find the Broad-billed Hummingbird

FeederDates › Hummingbirds › Species › Broad-billed Hummingbird