About Cynanthus latirostris lawrencei (von Berlepsch, 1887)
This subspecies is the broad-billed hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris lawrencei, a small hummingbird. It measures approximately 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in) in length, weighs 3–4 grams (with males being slightly heavier than females), and has an average wingspan of around 13 cm (5.1 in). It has a long, bright reddish bill that ends in a black tip. All individuals have metallic green coloration on their dorsal sides, with duller coloring on the crown and forehead. This hummingbird is sexually dimorphic, meaning adult males and females differ significantly in appearance. Adult males are dark green with white undertail-coverts, a blue throat, a broad blackish-blue tail, and brownish-gray flight feathers. Their bill is shorter but brighter red than that of females, and both juvenile and adult males have larger wings and tails than females. Adult females have a pale belly, a white eyestripe behind the eye, and white-tipped tail feathers. Juvenile coloring typically resembles that of adult females. Over time, juvenile males develop redder bills and iridescent throat feathers. Unlike females, juvenile males do not have white-tipped tails. Newly hatched broad-billed hummingbirds have a brown body, orange downy feathers, and an orange bill. Little is known about wild hatchlings, but captive juveniles grow full adult plumage within 6–8 months of hatching. In terms of distribution and habitat, this hummingbird ranges from the southwestern United States south to central Mexico. In the United States, the nominate subspecies C. l. latirostris occurs along streamsides and in oak woodlands, preferring streamside groves, dense vegetation, and open oak woodlands in lower canyons. It favors areas with Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii), Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), and mesquite. Breeding populations are confirmed in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and occur rarely in southwestern Texas. Rare accidental sightings have been recorded across the continent, including in Arkansas. In Mexico, specimens have been collected at nearly all elevations, ranging from 1494 to 3048 meters above sea level. Along the Pacific coast of Mexico, it is a common resident in arid thorn forests, tropical deciduous forests, and riparian gallery forests. During the breeding season, it is commonly found in desert canyons and low mountain oak woodlands. In the Mexican state of Sonora, it is the most common hummingbird species.
