Broad-billed Hummingbird
A Southwest hummingbird of flower-rich stream canyons that benefits from native blooms and carefully maintained nectar feeders.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look near sycamore, cottonwood, willow, and flowers in partly shaded stream canyons and mountain gardens.
Food
Flower nectar plus small insects caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Riparian canyons, wooded washes, mountain flowers, sycamore-cottonwood-willow corridors, and garden nectar sources.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Broad-billed Hummingbird habitat
Riparian canyons, wooded washes, mountain flowers, sycamore-cottonwood-willow corridors, and garden nectar sources.
Broad-billed Hummingbird diet and food
Flower nectar plus small insects caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Use four parts water to one part plain white sugar, without dye or honey; clean frequently and pair with native flowers.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Flower nectar plus small insects caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
Cover & plants
Riparian canyons, wooded washes, mountain flowers, sycamore-cottonwood-willow corridors, and garden nectar sources.
Broad-billed Hummingbird nesting and breeding
Builds a tiny nest in tree or shrub cover near water and flowers; do not prune shaded riparian vegetation in nesting season.
Broad-billed Hummingbird behavior and where to look
Hovers to feed, catches insects, and males perform pendulum display flights; individuals may travel between flower patches.
Photography
Use flowers or a clean feeder at distance, avoiding pressure near a streamside nest site.
What to avoid
Do not use colored nectar, let syrup ferment, or place feeders where they can leak onto birds.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
