Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Southern Arizona

This image shows a male Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) resting between feedings in an evergreen tree. Some jewel-like iridescence is seen here in the feathers of the bird's wings, crown and gorget (throat patch). These hummingbirds are found in western North America from as far north as Alaska to as far south as northern Mexico. Like most hummingbirds they are very territorial and will defend their territory aggressively. Several perches in a given area are typically claimed by a bird and these are used as resting places between feeding periods. If you find a hummingbird perched somewhere and it flies away, chances are it will return to the same spot a short while later. I have observed this trait in several hummingbird species, and this one was no exception. This image was made without the use of electronic flash. Hummingbirds.net is a great resource for more information about this and other hummingbird species.

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