Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Hummingbirds

Sword-billed Hummingbird

Ensifera ensifera

The sword-billed hummingbird, also known as the swordbill, is a neotropical species of hummingbird from the Andean regions of South America. It is the only member in the genus Ensifera. Among the largest species of hummingbird, it is characterized by its unusually long bill, being the only bird to have a beak longer than the rest of its body, excluding the tail. It uses its bill to drink nectar from flowers with long corollas and has coevolved with the species Passiflora mixta. While most hummingbirds preen using their bills, the sword-billed hummingbird uses its feet to scratch and preen due to its bill being so long.

Where are you looking?

Select a tracking region above to ping the eBird database and reveal live hotspots for the Sword-billed Hummingbird.

Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Sword-billed Hummingbird requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

View Pro Optics

Expedition Prep

Targeting the Sword-billed Hummingbird?

Build a custom travel itinerary around these hotpot clusters using our trip planning suite.

Open Planner