Our bird identification guide to blue-throated hummingbirds and
expert advice about this colorful hummingbird species. Blue-
throated hummingbird by photo by Steve Byland Bigger isn't
always better. But when it comes to tiny hummingbirds, a little
more size certainly helps you get a better look at these
miraculous creatures. That's where the blue-throated hummingbird
has a leg up on its cousins. It's the largest hummingbird in
North America. Blue-throateds are not much smaller than black-
capped chickadees, and measure a full 2 inches longer than the
calliope hummingbird, the smallest in North America. They're
heavy, too—double the weight of the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Because of their large size, blue-throated hummingbirds have
larger wings and broad tails to keep their heavier bodies
airborne. Their wing beats are slower than other hummers, but
they're still a blur of activity to our eye. These birds have
large appetites. They'll feed on nectar and pollen, but
supplement their diet with lots of insects, in