Sword-billed Hummingbird
NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Common NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Scientific NameEnsifera ensifera
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)12
Length (cm)18.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is iridescent bronze-green on the upperparts, with a distinctive white spot behind the eye. The underparts are a duller green, often with a yellowish-white breast band and some white streaking on the belly. The tail is dark and forked.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of high-pitched, squeaky notes and a rapid 'tsip-tsip-tsip' sound, often given during flight or while perched.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsmontane forest, cloud forest, forest edge, shrubland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes Mountains of South America, ranging from Venezuela and Colombia, south through Ecuador and Peru, to Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, straight, needle-like bill (can be longer than its body), Iridescent bronze-green plumage, White post-ocular spot, Dark, forked tail
Description
The Sword-billed Hummingbird is a remarkable species known for its extraordinarily long bill, which can be longer than its entire body. This unique adaptation allows it to feed on nectar from flowers with exceptionally long corollas, hovering expertly while feeding. Its plumage is primarily iridescent green, making it a striking sight in its high-altitude Andean habitat.
