Fun Sword-billed Hummingbird Facts For Kids

The sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) comes from the family Trochilidae. They are also known as Colibri pico espada and belong to the genus Ensiferum and order Apodiformes.

The word Ensifera is of Latin origin and means sword wielder. This species is found in South American countries like Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and  Venezuela. The sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) is one of the largest Hummingbird species.

They have a unique beak. The beak of this species is slightly curved like the awlbill. The tongues of these birds run the entire length of their bills, which they insert into the corolla tube and collect the nectar.

Their wing feathers are brightly colored. This species helps in the pollination process across the United States, much like the giant hummingbird.

Here are some of the most interesting facts about the sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) that is native to the Andes and is one of 338 known species of hummingbirds. Afterward, do check our other articles on toco toucan and gray partridge as well.

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Sword-Billed Hummingbird Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a sword-billed hummingbird?

The sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) is a small-sized bird species. It is the only bird species in the world that has a beak that is longer than the body length.

What class of animal does a sword-billed hummingbird belong to?

Sword-billed hummingbirds belong to the Aves family of animals. It is the only member of the genus Ensiferum and is easily identifiable with its long bill/beak. As a matter of fact, the size of the bill is generally longer than its body.

How many sword-billed hummingbirds are there in the world?

The total number of sword-billed hummingbirds in the world is currently unknown. But it is believed that the population of the species is of least concern at present.

Where does a sword-billed hummingbird live?

Sword-billed hummingbirds live most commonly in tropical forests of the Andes across South America.

What is a sword-billed hummingbird's habitat?

A sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) habitat comprises tropical forests. These forests are located in South American countries like Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

These birds with a long bill prefer this habitat due to the abundant availability of nectar-producing flowers and plants. These birds with a long beak are typically found at the elevations of 5,600 ft-10,800 ft (1,706-3,291 m).

Who do sword-billed hummingbirds live with?

Sword-billed hummingbirds are friendly birds. This bird with a long beak gets along with most other bird and animal species. This bird species can live with the birds of their own species as well as others.

How long does a sword-billed hummingbird live?

The sword-billed hummingbird has a short life span that ranges between three to five years.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season of sword-billed hummingbirds ranges from February to March. These are polygamous birds and are seen mating with more than one bird of their species.

The females lay three to four eggs in the nest after the breeding process is over. The nest is prepared from materials such as animal hair, feather down, and plant fibers.

The males take no part in raising chicks when they are in the nest. Females guard the nests and feed the chicks all by themselves till they are ready to face the world on their own.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of sword-billed hummingbirds is that of the least concern at present. Hence, it is assumed that these birds are safe in their habitat across the world, and in fact, their population levels are stable across the habitat range.

Sword-Billed Hummingbird Fun Facts

What do sword-billed hummingbirds look like?

Sword-billed hummingbirds (Ensifera ensifera) are birds with green plumage all over their body. These birds have a small head and a large bill. These heads are coppery bronze heads, and their backs are bronze-green.

The undersides of males are bright green-colored, while those of females are white-colored. The female's throats are olive green, and those of males are blackish green.

There is a color difference in the tails of both sexes as well. Their most striking feature is their large bill. The bill of a sword-billed hummingbird is bigger than their entire body size, and so is the tongue of this bird.

How cute are they?

Sword-billed hummingbirds are extremely cute. This bird is the only member of the bird family in the world whose beak is longer than the rest of the body. This species is known for its pretty looks.

How do they communicate?

Sword-billed hummingbirds are usually lonely birds. They do not communicate with their species until absolutely necessary. Their only interactions are with the females of their species for mating.

How big is a sword-billed hummingbird?

A sword-billed hummingbird has a small body size. Its length ranges between 5.1-5.5 in (12.9-13.9 cm) and is twice the size of the bee hummingbird.

How fast can a sword-billed hummingbird fly?

A sword-billed hummingbird can fly with a maximum speed of up to 60 mph (96 kph). It is a very fast-moving bird species, thanks to its light body.

How much does a sword-billed hummingbird weigh?

A sword-billed hummingbird weighs in the range of 0.35 -0.53 oz (0.009-0.015 kg). It is a very small-sized bird with very little weight.

What are the male and female names of the species?

The males of sword-billed hummingbird species are called cocks, and the females of the sword-billed hummingbird species are called hens.

What would you call a baby sword-billed hummingbird?

The sword-billed hummingbird babies are called chicks.

What do they eat?

The sword-billed hummingbird is an omnivorous bird. Their common food source is nectar from flowers. Their long bill assists in reaching long colloras. They also feed on spiders by picking them directly from the spider webs and insects. Hummingbirds fall prey to snakes, lizards, toucans, crows, and bats.

Are they dangerous?

The sword-billed hummingbird prefers to live alone. They do not disturb others in any possible condition. They help in the pollination of flowers. Hence, these birds are generally not dangerous.

Would they make a good pet?

The sword-billed hummingbird requires a large living space due to their bill. Keeping them in closed areas will not be ideal. Their feeding requirements are not too difficult to attain, but habitat requirements are. Hence, it is advised not to have a sword-billed hummingbird as a pet.

Did you know...

Sword-billed hummingbirds use plant fibers and animal hairs to build their nests.

How long are the beaks of sword-billed hummingbirds?

Sword-billed hummingbirds are known for their exceptionally long beaks. The beaks of these birds can grow up to 3.9 in (10 cm) long. They come very handily in reaching into long corollas of flowers. However, Toto Toucan is known to have the longest bill, which is over 7.5 in (19.05 cm) long.

What's the biggest hummingbird?

The biggest hummingbird is the giant hummingbird. It is also known as Patagonia Gigas. The giant hummingbird grows up to 8 in (20 cm) in length.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these least tern facts and umbrellabird facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Sword-billed hummingbird coloring pages.