This species is one of the largest hummingbirds found in North America. Sexes are similar, except for male’s cobalt-blue gorget. The all-black bill is proportionally short, while the tail is very long. The crown and back are green, darkening to bronze on the rump and dark gray on the uppertail coverts. The tail is bluish-black with large white tips on the outer tail feathers. The face is dusky with a prominent white line extending back from the eye, and a less prominent white malar stripe. The underparts are a uniform medium gray. Juveniles resemble adults, but with pale feather edges on the upperparts. Young males have limited blue feathering on the gorget.

Length: 13 (cm) Wingspan: 18 (cm)

Voice:

Male frequently gives a high loud tseep call from a perch. Song is a very quiet series of chips and rattles.

Habitat:

Moist mixed forest, riparian forest, woodland edge, residential areas, usually near water.

Behavior:

In residential areas, often nests on man-made structures.

Feeding:

Feeds on floral nectar and small insects.