Broad-billed Hummingbird vs Cinnamon Hummingbird

In short

The Broad-billed Hummingbird and the Cinnamon Hummingbird can be distinguished by their bill color and plumage. The Broad-billed has a strikingly red bill with a black tip, while the Cinnamon has a mostly black bill. Plumage differences include the Broad-billed's metallic blue throat and green body, contrasting with the Cinnamon's more uniform cinnamon-brown underparts.

Identification tips

• Bill color: Look for the Broad-billed's red bill with a black tip versus the Cinnamon's mostly black bill.
• Throat and body color: The Broad-billed has a metallic blue throat and green body, while the Cinnamon is more uniformly cinnamon-brown.
• Tail shape: The Broad-billed's tail is more forked compared to the Cinnamon's rounded tail.
• Habitat context: Consider the habitat; Broad-billeds are more likely in arid areas, while Cinnamons prefer tropical settings.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small hummingbirds, but the Broad-billed may appear slightly more slender.

Plumage

The Broad-billed Hummingbird features a metallic blue throat and green body, while the Cinnamon Hummingbird has cinnamon-brown underparts and a more uniform coloration. The Broad-billed's tail is also more forked compared to the Cinnamon's slightly rounded tail.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical hummingbird behaviors such as hovering and rapid flight. The Broad-billed is known for its adaptability in foraging strategies, while specific behaviors of the Cinnamon are less documented.

Habitat

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is often found in arid and semi-arid regions, while the Cinnamon Hummingbird prefers tropical and subtropical environments, often near water sources.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented for either species, but the Broad-billed is noted for having a variety of calls, whereas specific vocal details for the Cinnamon are less known.