Violet Sabrewing - Selva Negra, Nicaragua

Central America's largest hummingbird was guarding a patch of Heliconia flowers during our visit to Selva Negra. They prefer the mountainous regions of the neotropical forests staying above 1000 feet above sea level. This male was working the patch of Lobster Claw Heliconia keeping all other birds well away from his prized possession. They didn't even have to be interested in the flowers for them to get a reaction. Notice the bill is perfectly curved to fit into the curved opening to allow for the best reach into the nectar.