Illustrating Nature's Wonders
Ensifera ensifera & Passiflora mixta
Medium: Colored Pencil on Film/Watercolor
The Sword-billed Hummingbird and Passiflora mixta have co-evolved in the tropical/subtropical montane cloud forest of the Andes. This species of hummingbird is the only one able to pollinate this flower with its elongated corolla, and has the advantage of an abundance of nectar since no other bird has access to this flower. Small insects will sometimes burrow into the side of the corolla to find a meal. The will also pollinate the long tube of the Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia sanguinea). The bill of this hummingbird is longer than its body, causing it to roost with its nose up in the air to counteract the weight. This bird also has to preen with its feet since it cannot use its bill.