Sword-billed Hummingbird
Ensifera ensifera
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<birdfyi-bird slug="ensifera-ensifera"></birdfyi-bird>The Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae (hummingbirds), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 15.3 cm and a weight of 12.8 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A remarkable hummingbird (14-15 cm body) with a bill as long as its body (8-10 cm), the longest bill relative to body size of any bird. Found in Andean cloud forests from Venezuela to Bolivia at 1,700-3,500 m. The extraordinarily long bill evolved to feed on deep tubular Passiflora flowers.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 15.3 cm | 6.0 in |
| Weight | 12.75 g | 0.45 oz |
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found in Andean cloud forests from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. 1,700–3,500 m.
Diet & Feeding
Nectarivore uniquely adapted to extremely long flowers of Passiflora and Datura. Supplements with small insects caught in flight.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Thin, reedy whistle with plaintive character; soft nasal tone held briefly then gently fading in mist.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Ensifera |
| Species | Ensifera ensifera |
Distribution
Sword-billed Hummingbird has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sword-billed Hummingbird eat?
Where does the Sword-billed Hummingbird live?
Is the Sword-billed Hummingbird endangered?
What does the Sword-billed Hummingbird sound like?
How big is the Sword-billed Hummingbird?
What order and family does the Sword-billed Hummingbird belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family