Sword-billed Hummingbird
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/66020093@N03">Andy Morffew</a> from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK (CC BY 2.0)
NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Common NameSword-billed Hummingbird
Scientific NameEnsifera ensifera
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent bronze-green upperparts and flanks, a duller green throat with some iridescence, and a dark crown. A distinctive white spot is present behind the eye. The underparts are grayish-green, and the tail is dark and forked.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of high-pitched, thin chirps or squeaks, often given in flight or while perched. They are not known for complex songs.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsmontane forest, cloud forest, forest edge, subtropical forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes mountains of South America, ranging from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Identifying Featuresextremely long bill (can be longer than body), iridescent bronze-green plumage, white post-ocular spot, long, forked tail
Description
This remarkable hummingbird is instantly recognizable by its exceptionally long bill, which can be longer than its entire body. It specializes in feeding on nectar from flowers with deep corollas, hovering expertly while feeding and often flying backward to extract its bill.
