Sword-billed Hummingbird
Image: Fabián A. Sibaja Araya (cc-by-nc)
NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Common NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Scientific NameEnsifera ensifera
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)12
Length (cm)18.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsMales and females have similar plumage, featuring iridescent bronze-green upperparts and a duller, grayish-green underside. They possess a distinctive white spot behind the eye and a long, straight, black bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically high-pitched, thin 'tsip' or 'tseet' notes, often given while foraging or in flight. They also produce soft chattering sounds.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmontane forest, cloud forest, forest edge
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes Mountains of South America, ranging from western Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, south to central Bolivia.
Identifying Featuresextremely long bill (often longer than body), iridescent bronze-green upperparts, white post-ocular spot, specialized feeding on long-tubed flowers
Description
This unique hummingbird is easily recognized by its extraordinarily long bill, which can be longer than its entire body. It uses this specialized bill to feed on nectar from flowers with deep corollas, hovering expertly while feeding.
