Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is in the Hummingbirds family (Trochilidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 9,311 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Broad-tailed Hummingbird: observations by month (U.S.)

About Broad-tailed Hummingbird

The broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is a medium-sized hummingbird, nearly 4 in (10 cm) in length. It is one of seven species in the genus Selasphorus.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Hummingbirds)

Anna's HummingbirdCalypte anna

Ruby-throated HummingbirdArchilochus colubris

Black-chinned HummingbirdArchilochus alexandri

Allen's HummingbirdSelasphorus sasin

Costa's HummingbirdCalypte costae

Rufous HummingbirdSelasphorus rufus

Broad-billed HummingbirdCynanthus latirostris

Calliope HummingbirdSelasphorus calliope

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ