Texas Hummingbird Roundup:
Broad-tailed (Selasphorus platycercus)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird
(Selasphorus platycercus)
Artwork © 2005 TPWD

This long-bodied bird with a long, broad tail nests in the mountains of west Texas. The birds are found in forests and woodlands, meadows and borders. In winter it will spend time in coastal areas, is known to visit gardens inland, and can be found in both deciduous and evergreen forests. It has been found in all Texas regions.

Identifying Features:

• Long-bodied bird with long, broad tail
• Distinctive, perching posture holds wings high above tail

Identifying Features (Male):

• Rosy red gorget
• White line from chin to eye-ring to neck
• Buffy green flanks

Identifying Features (Female):

• Neatly spotted throat
• Long sturdy tail
• Rufous on outer tail feathers
• Pale eye ring
• Buffy flanks
• Tail projects well beyond wingtips