©Bryan Kao
April 18, 2025
A Jeweled Pixie
- as seen by -
Bryan Kao
An iridescent jeweled pixie zooming through treetops and flower beds, the male broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) provides an excellent example of grace and charm. He can be distinguished from related species by his bright red bill, shiny green back, and brilliant blue throat.
Broad-billed hummingbirds enjoy many types of forest habitat in mountains, plains, and valleys alike, feasting on both flower nectar and small insects as they migrate across a large swath of Mexico to the extreme corners of Arizona and New Mexico. Agave, milkweed, ocotillo, and various cactus flowers are on their menu. To impress females during breeding season, the males deftly perform a dance where they hover midair and fly to and fro in an arc, like a swinging pendulum.
Madera Canyon near Tucson, Arizona, is a prime birding spot with over 250 species of birds, 15 of which are hummingbirds. There, eco-lodge staff set up hummingbird feeders dispensing sugar water, much appreciated by migrating hummingbirds of various species, including this bold fellow (above). He would dart over to grab a sip, then perch on this nearby twig vigilantly watching for rivals as well as birders like me.
No matter where you live, you can find your closest green spaces, advocate for their protection, and join a local birding club to see some of the world’s winged wonders. For the benefit of pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, plant native flowers or set up hummingbird feeders.
NIKON D5500 WITH AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300MM F/3.5-6.3G ED VR LENS
Leave a Comment