Both the genus and species names for the Sword-Billed Hummingbird derive from the Latin words for “sword bearer” – a fitting description for the only bird in the world with a bill longer than its body. One of the larger hummingbird species – almost the size of a Swallow-Tailed Hummingbird – the Sword-Bill’s astonishing beak adds an additional four inches to its length. Its bill alone is longer than many other hummingbird species, such as the Chilean Woodstar and Short-Crested Coquette.
But this distinctive beak also confers some disadvantages. Since the Sword-Billed Hummingbird’s bill is too long to be used for preening, this species must use its feet to scratch and preen itself. When perched, a Sword-Billed Hummingbird must angle its long bill upwards to maintain its balance.
Why is this amazing (and sometimes cumbersome) feature worthwhile?
Read on to find out more: https://www.abcbirds.org/bird/sword-billed-hummingbird/
