Sword-billed Hummingbird, Ecuador

Sword-billed Hummingbird

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Sword-billed Hummingbird
Guango, Ecuador   –   October 30, 2010
— Ralph Paonessa
Canon EOS 7D   *   EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM   *   ISO 100   *   1/200 sec @ f/18

Upon first sight, Swordbills are unbelievable -- but they do exist! This variety of Angel's Trumpet, a Swordbill favorite, boasts a long tubular corolla about six inches deep.

As she reaches deep inside for nectar, her forehead brushes against the pollen-covered stamens that are just visible here, leaving a dusting of pollen often seen in these birds. When she visits another flower, she will pollinate it by leaving some of this pollen behind. The Swordbills and long flowers co-evolved this mutually beneficial rleationship.

Photo ID: 20101030-84