Broad-billed Hummingbird vs Buff-bellied Hummingbird

In short

The Broad-billed Hummingbird and Buff-bellied Hummingbird can be distinguished by bill color and plumage. The Broad-billed has a bright red bill with a black tip, while the Buff-bellied has a mostly dark bill. Plumage-wise, the Broad-billed shows a more vivid blue-green throat and chest, contrasting with the Buff-bellied's buffy underparts.

Identification tips

1. Bill Color: Look for the bright red bill with a black tip on the Broad-billed Hummingbird; the Buff-bellied has a mostly dark bill.
2. Throat and Chest: The Broad-billed has a vivid blue-green throat and chest, while the Buff-bellied shows buffy underparts.
3. Back Color: Note the more uniform green on the Broad-billed versus the coppery-green of the Buff-bellied.
4. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Broad-billed is more likely in arid regions, Buff-bellied in semihumid woodlands.

Size

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

Plumage

The Broad-billed Hummingbird has a bright blue-green throat and chest, with a more uniform green back. In contrast, the Buff-bellied Hummingbird features buffy underparts and a more coppery-green back. The Broad-billed's plumage is generally more vibrant.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behaviors, such as hovering and rapid flight. Specific behavioral differences are not well-documented.

Habitat

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is found in arid and semi-arid regions, often in canyons and foothills, while the Buff-bellied Hummingbird prefers the Gulf Coast's semihumid woodlands and shrublands.

Voice

Vocalizations of both species are not well-documented, and specific differences are unclear.