Rare and local, this amazing hummingbird is mostly glimpsed in fast direct flight high overhead. However, we could get good looks since swordbills do feed at hummingbird feeders. This male swordbill was after the long tubular flowers found in the foothills of the Andes (9000 ft. elevation). The flowers and the swordbill have evolved together over millions of years to make the swordbill the perfect pollinator for these flowers   (Hi-Res). No other creatures can get to the precious nectar of many of the long tubular flowers found in the Andes. We also saw this female swordbill (white under the throat identifies the female) perched in the cloud forest as the mist moved in:   (Click).  

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