A hummingbird of Andean forest near rushing streams. It uses a very long, slender bill and flies low and quickly among flowers for nectar.
It has a very long, slender, slightly downcurved bill. A bright green patch marks the forehead; the crown and nape are coppery, the back dark iridescent green, and the underside gray-green. A small white spot sits behind the eye.
It flies rapidly and directly, mainly through low forest layers, following routes between scattered flower patches. During the breeding season it may defend areas rich in flowers.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.