Species · GBIF taxon 2476884
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Ensifera ensiferaAlso known as Swordbill, Sword-bill
Sword-billed Hummingbirds zip through Andean cloud forests, easily recognized by an extraordinary bill that stretches longer than their entire body. This extreme adaptation allows them to monopolize deep, tube-shaped flowers that other birds cannot reach, particularly passionflowers. Because of this massive beak, they must perch with their heads tilted upward to balance the weight and preen their feathers using their feet instead of their bills.
AndeanNectarivoreHigh-Altitude
Licensed referenceAndy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Nectar and small insects
- family
- Trochilidae
- threats
- Habitat loss and deforestation
- life Span
- 3 to 5 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look Up: Watch for these birds perching with their bills pointing nearly straight up to reduce neck strain.
- Target Passionflowers: Locate patches of wild pink passionflowers where these specialists feed regularly.
- Listen for Buzzing: Listen for the deep, heavy wing-beat hum that distinguishes them from smaller hummingbirds.