Napo Sabrewing
Napo Sabrewing (Campylopterus villaviscensio)
Name Origin:
The genus Campylopterus comes from Greek kampylos meaning “curved” and pteron meaning “wing,” referencing the modified wing feathers found in this genus. The species name villaviscensio refers to the town of Villavicencio in Colombia.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: ~13–14 cm
⚖️ Weight: ~8.5–9.5 g
🌎 Range: Eastern Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, and northeastern Peru
🧭 Elevation: 600–1,200 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Humid premontane and lower montane forest
🧬 Clade: Trochilini (a.k.a. “emeralds”)
📊 Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Monotypic — no subspecies recognized.
Species Overview
The Napo Sabrewing is a large, range-restricted hummingbird of the eastern Andes, found in parts of Colombia, Ecuador, and northeastern Peru. Long overlooked and rarely encountered, it was once feared extinct but rediscovered in recent decades. Males are bold in appearance, with an iridescent green body, deep violet throat, and broad white-tipped tail. The species is built heavily and flies with strong, arched wingbeats.
Male Description:
Glittering green overall, with a deep violet throat, white undertail coverts, and a broad, dark tail edged in white. The bill is long, slightly decurved, and black.
Female Description:
Similar to male, but with a grayish throat and paler vent. Green is duller and less iridescent.
Habitat & Behavior:
Found in humid foothill forests, especially along streams, ravines, and slopes with flowering plants. Usually forages at low to mid-level, favoring large tubular flowers. Tends to be secretive and is not vocal, making detection difficult. Typically solitary and rarely seen for extended periods.
Conservation Note:
Listed as Near Threatened due to its small and fragmented range across the eastern slopes of the Andes. It is vulnerable to habitat loss from agriculture and deforestation. Though elusive, it has been documented in protected areas and seems to persist in low densities. Continued surveys and habitat preservation in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are critical.
