Colibri circé— Quebec wildlife

The broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a small hummingbird that resides in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Males and females have different features (see sexual dimorphism). The juveniles resemble the female adult more than the male adult. The broad-billed hummingbird is a bright green bird. The broad, red bill in both sexes and the male's blue gorget are useful for identification. The bird is also known for its other common names – the Colibrí Pico Ancho in Spanish and Colibri circé in French. It is more active during the day and less active during the night (see diurnality).

Description

The broad-billed hummingbird is a small hummingbird about 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in) long. It weighs only 3–4 grams, with the male weighing slightly more than the female. The wingspan of this hummingbird is about 13 cm (5.1 in). It has a long, bright reddish coloured bill that has a black tip. The birds are metallic green dorsally with dull colouring on the crown and forehead. The hummingbird is sexually dimorphic, with male and female adults appearing significantly different. The male is dark green with white undertail-coverts and a blue throat or gorget. The adult male's tail is blackish-blue and broad. The flight feathers are brownish-gray. The adult female has a pale belly and has a white eyestripe behind her eye. Her tail feathers are white-tipped. The bill of the male is shorter but brighter red. As for size, both the juvenile and adult males have larger wings and tails than the female. The colouring of the juveniles tends to resemble the adult female. With time, the bill of the juvenile males will redden, and iridescent feathers will appear on its throat. Unlike the females, the juvenile males do not have a white-tipped tail. The hatchings have a brown body and orange downy feathers and an orange bill. Not much is known about hatchlings, but in captivity, the juvenile birds have been seen to have adult plumage within 6–8 months.