Sword-billed Hummingbird
NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Common NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Scientific NameEnsifera ensifera
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsMales and females have similar plumage, featuring dull bronze-green upperparts and grayish underparts. They possess a distinctive white spot behind the eye and a short, dark tail. The bill is black and extremely long.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, sharp 'tseet' or 'tsip' notes, often given while foraging or in flight. They also produce soft chattering sounds.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmontane forest, cloud forest, forest edge, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes Mountains, ranging from western Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, south to central Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, straight bill (longer than its body), Bronze-green upperparts, Grayish underparts, White post-ocular spot
Description
The Sword-billed Hummingbird is an extraordinary bird known for its exceptionally long bill, which can be longer than its entire body. This unique adaptation allows it to feed on nectar from flowers with very long corollas, hovering gracefully while foraging.
