Montana Field Guide

Widely known for its aggressive nature. Short-bodied, stubby and rusty in appearance. Sexually dimorphic. Male's dorsal plumage is a non-iridescent rusty red. Female and juvenile dorsal plumage is a green iridescence. Male gorget is brilliant orange-scarlet. Female throat varies from clear or streaked with bronze-green, to multiple scarlet spots or large central gorget patch of male-like colors. Male's wings emit a metallic whine. Juveniles resemble females with green iridescent backs and white-tipped rectrices. (Healy and Calder 2006)

For a comprehensive review of the conservation status, habitat use, and ecology of this and other Montana bird species, please see Marks et al. 2016, Birds of Montana.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are larger with broad, lengthy tails and buff or buff-and-green flanks. Calliope Hummingbirds are smaller, with shorter bills and noticeably shorter tails. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are a dull metallic bronze-green above; males have the black chin and throat that give the species its name.

The longest known avian migration (when measured in body lengths). Wintering grounds are primarily in Mexico. (Healy and Calder 2006)

Generally cool environments. Principally secondary succession communities and openings, forested and brushy habitats of the Pacific northwest through the Gulf of Alaska coastal forests and inland to northern Rocky Mountains. Typically nests in second growth and mature forests. (Healy and Calder 2006)

Floral nectar and small insects (Healy and Calder 2006).

Highly territorial throughout range (Healy and Calder 2006).

Nests are ususally well hidden in a variety of plants and sites including shrubs, drooping lower branches or trees-conifers and oaks. Reports of colonies of up to 20 nests only a few yards from each other in timber or second growth. Clutch size is normally 2 eggs (Healy and Calder 2006). Eggs and nests found in July. Near Fortine, egg dates range from June 3 to 25; earliest hatching observed was June 10.

By offering artificial food supplementation during times when flowers are unavailable, feeders may elevate populations, at least on a local level (Healy and Calder 2006).