Broad-billed Hummingbird vs Chestnut-collared Longspur

In short

The Broad-billed Hummingbird and Chestnut-collared Longspur are easily distinguished by their habitats and appearances. The hummingbird is a vibrant, small nectar feeder, while the longspur is a prairie-dwelling songbird with a striking chestnut collar and black belly.

Identification tips

• Habitat: Look for Broad-billed Hummingbirds near flowers; Chestnut-collared Longspurs in open prairies.
• Size and Shape: Broad-billed Hummingbirds are small with a long bill; Chestnut-collared Longspurs are larger with a more typical songbird shape.
• Plumage: Note the iridescent colors and red bill of the hummingbird versus the distinct chestnut collar and black belly of the longspur.

Size

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is much smaller than the Chestnut-collared Longspur, typical of hummingbirds compared to passerines.

Plumage

The Broad-billed Hummingbird has iridescent green and blue plumage with a broad red bill, whereas the Chestnut-collared Longspur features a black belly, chestnut collar, and yellow cheek in males, with females being more buff-colored.

Behaviour

Broad-billed Hummingbirds are agile flyers, often seen hovering near flowers, while Chestnut-collared Longspurs perform aerial song displays and are ground foragers.

Habitat

Broad-billed Hummingbirds inhabit areas with abundant flowers, often in remote or semi-arid regions, whereas Chestnut-collared Longspurs prefer open grasslands and prairies.

Voice

The Broad-billed Hummingbird's vocalizations are not well-documented, while the Chestnut-collared Longspur is known for its melodic song during flight displays.