Allen's Hummingbird vs Broad-tailed Hummingbird

In short

Allen's Hummingbird and Broad-tailed Hummingbird are both small, similar-looking hummingbirds, but they can be distinguished by their tail and vocalization differences. Allen's has a narrower tail with greenish central feathers, while Broad-tailed has a broader tail and a distinctive wing trill during flight.

Identification tips

1. Tail Shape: Look for the narrower tail with greenish central feathers in Allen's. 2. Vocalization: Listen for the wing trill in Broad-tailed. 3. Throat Color: Note the more orange-red throat in Allen's versus the rose-red in Broad-tailed. 4. Habitat: Consider the location; coastal areas suggest Allen's, while mountainous regions suggest Broad-tailed.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small hummingbirds.

Plumage

Allen's Hummingbird has a narrower tail with greenish central feathers, while the Broad-tailed Hummingbird has a broader tail. Both species have iridescent throats, but the Allen's throat is more orange-red, and the Broad-tailed is more rose-red.

Behaviour

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds perform aerial displays with a loud wing trill, which is absent in Allen's. Allen's is known for its early migration patterns.

Habitat

Allen's Hummingbird is more coastal and found in California, while Broad-tailed Hummingbird prefers mountainous regions and is found in the western United States.

Voice

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds produce a distinctive wing trill during flight, which Allen's lacks.