Flashy, rather large hummingbird of humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edges, adjacent clearings with scattered trees and flowering bushes, and gardens. Feeds at all levels, but often in the canopy, hovering with its tail cocked and frequently flashed open to show extensive white. Note the gleaming snow-white underparts, brilliant emerald-green upperparts, and flashy white outer tail feathers. Bill is medium-length, black, and sharply pointed (often pierces flower bases to get nectar). Sexes similar overall, but female lacks purple crown of male, which can be hard to see, and has a longer tail.