What does the Broad-tailed Hummingbird eat?

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Primarily nectar from a variety of flowering plants and small insects (gnats, flies, aphids, spiders) captured in flight or gleaned from foliage.

How it forages

Hover-feeds on nectar from a wide variety of tubular flowers, particularly red and orange ones. Also captures small insects in mid-air (hawking) or gleans them from foliage. Will readily visit hummingbird feeders.

When it feeds

Diurnal. Most active during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Broad-tailed Hummingbird