Campylopterus ensipennis
The White-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis) is a magnificently iridescent, relatively large hummingbird, typically measuring 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 8-12 grams. Males are predominantly brilliant emerald green, boasting a striking violet-blue patch on the upper breast, and most notably, large white outer tail feathers that flash conspicuously during flight. Their common name is derived from the stiff, curved, and flattened outer primary feathers, which resemb...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forest edges, and shaded coffee plantations, typically at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 meters (1,600-4,900 feet).
Primarily nectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flowering plants, but also gleans small arthropods like spiders and insects from foliage and bark to supplement essential protein intake.
White-tailed Sabrewings are active diurnal foragers, often following regular "trap-lines" to efficiently visit widely dispersed nectar sources throughout their day. Males exhibit strong territoriality, aggressively defending rich flower patches or favored perches from other hummingbirds, employin...
The White-tailed Sabrewing has a relatively restricted geographic distribution, being endemic to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and the coastal mountains of northeastern Venezuela. In Venezuela, its range extends through the Cordillera de la Costa, from Sucre and Monagas states west through ...
Least Concern
- The male White-tailed Sabrewing's stiff, flattened outer primary feathers are the inspiration for its common name and create a distinctive whirring sound in flight. - It is one of the largest hummingbird species found within its restricted range, often appearing quite robust compared to its sma...