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Hermit (hummingbird)
Encyclopedia
The hermits are tropical and subtropical hummingbird
s in the subfamily Phaethornithinae, comprising 30–40 species in six genera
. They occur from southern Mexico
, through Central America
, to South America
as far south as northern Argentina
.
Their plumage typically involves greens, browns, rufous or grey. Most species show some green or bronze iridescence
to the upperparts, but this is far less conspicuous than that of many other hummingbirds. The male and female plumages of hermits are very similar, with differences limited to details of bill-shape, tail-shape and/or strength of colours/patterns. No species of hermit show the strong sexual dimorphism
usually associated with hummingbirds.
Hermits in the type genus
, Phaethornis, have a long decurved bill (three species, P. koepkeae
, P. philippii
and P. bourcieri
, with virtually straight bills) with a red or yellow base to the lower mandible, and their two central tail feathers are elongated and tipped with white, buff or ochraceous. The crown of the head is flat, and two pale facial stripes enclose a dusky mask.
Most hermits are restricted to the edge and undergrowth of forest, woodland and second growth, but some species (e.g. the Planalto Hermit
) also occur in more open habitats.
Many species of hermits form leks and congregate on traditional display grounds, where females visit to choose a mate. However, male hermits are generally less aggressive than other male hummingbirds, though both sexes will defend a feeding territory.
Most hermits are associated with heliconia
s, but will utilize other nectar sources (flowers of Centropogon
, Passiflora, Costus
, etc.). To a lesser degree, they will capture small arthropods. The long, decurved bills typical of this group of hummingbird
s are an adaptation to certain flowers. This is taken to an extreme in the two sicklebills (Eutoxeres spp.) with their very decurved bills. Many species, including the Rufous-breasted Hermit
, also use the heliconias for nesting, attaching their conical nest to the underside of one of the plant's broad leaves.
The taxonomy
of some groups has changed significantly in recent years. Apart from those issues discussed at Phaethornis
, a taxonomic problem occurs with the Threnetes leucurus
/T. niger
complex. Schuchmann & Hinkelmann (1999) considered the Sooty Barbthroat a melanistic variant of the T. leucurus, but as it was described first, its scientific name was adopted for the entire species; Pale-tailed Barbthroat (T. niger). This, however, has not been accepted by all authorities, notably SACC, which consider both T. niger and T. leucurus as valid species. Additionally, Mallet-Rodrigues (2006) suggested the taxon loehkeni should be considered a valid species, the Bronze-tailed Barbthroat.
Three additional species, the Tooth-billed Hummingbird
(Androdon aequatorialis), the Green-fronted Lancebill
(Doryfera ludovicae) and the Blue-fronted Lancebill
(D. johannae), have been included in this subfamily in the past, but are now placed in Trochilinae
.
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Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are birds that comprise the family Trochilidae. They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 7.5–13 cm range. Indeed, the smallest extant bird species is a hummingbird, the 5-cm Bee Hummingbird. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings...
s in the subfamily Phaethornithinae, comprising 30–40 species in six genera
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
. They occur from southern Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, through Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
, to South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
as far south as northern Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
.
Their plumage typically involves greens, browns, rufous or grey. Most species show some green or bronze iridescence
Iridescence
Iridescence is generally known as the property of certain surfaces which appear to change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes...
to the upperparts, but this is far less conspicuous than that of many other hummingbirds. The male and female plumages of hermits are very similar, with differences limited to details of bill-shape, tail-shape and/or strength of colours/patterns. No species of hermit show the strong sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is a phenotypic difference between males and females of the same species. Examples of such differences include differences in morphology, ornamentation, and behavior.-Examples:-Ornamentation / coloration:...
usually associated with hummingbirds.
Hermits in the type genus
Type genus
In biological classification, a type genus is a representative genus, as with regard to a biological family. The term and concept is used much more often and much more formally in zoology than it is in botany, and the definition is dependent on the nomenclatural Code that applies:* In zoological...
, Phaethornis, have a long decurved bill (three species, P. koepkeae
Koepcke's Hermit
The Koepcke's Hermit, Ermite de Koepcke, or Ermitaño de Koepcke is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found only in Peru....
, P. philippii
Needle-billed Hermit
The Needle-Billed Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.-References:...
and P. bourcieri
Straight-billed Hermit
The Straight-billed Hermit is a species of bird in the Trochilidae family, the hummingbirds.It is found in the Guyanas of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana; also the northern Amazon Basin of Brazil, and Amazonian Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; it is in eastern Venezuela and the Orinoco River Basin...
, with virtually straight bills) with a red or yellow base to the lower mandible, and their two central tail feathers are elongated and tipped with white, buff or ochraceous. The crown of the head is flat, and two pale facial stripes enclose a dusky mask.
Most hermits are restricted to the edge and undergrowth of forest, woodland and second growth, but some species (e.g. the Planalto Hermit
Planalto Hermit
The Planalto Hermit is a species of bird in the Trochilidae family, the hummingbirds. It is found in eastern and south-central Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and marginally in north-western Argentina....
) also occur in more open habitats.
Many species of hermits form leks and congregate on traditional display grounds, where females visit to choose a mate. However, male hermits are generally less aggressive than other male hummingbirds, though both sexes will defend a feeding territory.
Most hermits are associated with heliconia
Heliconia
Heliconia, derived from the Greek word helikonios, is a genus of about 100 to 200 species of flowering plants native to the tropical Americas and the Pacific Ocean islands west to Indonesia. Many species of Heliconia are found in rainforests or tropical wet forests of these regions...
s, but will utilize other nectar sources (flowers of Centropogon
Centropogon
Centropogon is a plant genus in the family Campanulaceae. In systems where the Lobeliaceae are recognized as distinct, Centropogon is placed there....
, Passiflora, Costus
Costus
Costus is a genus of perennial tropical herbaceous plants from the costus family . They are often characterized and distinguished from relatives such as Zingiber by their spiraling stems. The genus as a whole is thus often called spiral gingers, but this can also refer to C...
, etc.). To a lesser degree, they will capture small arthropods. The long, decurved bills typical of this group of hummingbird
Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are birds that comprise the family Trochilidae. They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 7.5–13 cm range. Indeed, the smallest extant bird species is a hummingbird, the 5-cm Bee Hummingbird. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings...
s are an adaptation to certain flowers. This is taken to an extreme in the two sicklebills (Eutoxeres spp.) with their very decurved bills. Many species, including the Rufous-breasted Hermit
Rufous-breasted Hermit
The Rufous-breasted Hermit or Hairy Hermit is a hummingbird that breeds from Panama south to Bolivia, and on Trinidad, Tobago and Grenada. It is a widespread and generally common species, though local populations may change in numbers and disappear altogether in marginal habitat-Description:It...
, also use the heliconias for nesting, attaching their conical nest to the underside of one of the plant's broad leaves.
The taxonomy
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and arranging them into a classification. The field of taxonomy, sometimes referred to as "biological taxonomy", revolves around the description and use of taxonomic units, known as taxa...
of some groups has changed significantly in recent years. Apart from those issues discussed at Phaethornis
Phaethornis
Phaethornis is a genus of hummingbirds in the hermit subfamily Phaethornithinae. They occur from southern Mexico, through Central America, to South America as far south as northern Argentina.-Description and ecology:...
, a taxonomic problem occurs with the Threnetes leucurus
Pale-tailed Barbthroat
The Pale-tailed Barbthroat is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in the Amazon Basin proper and bordering countries, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela....
/T. niger
Sooty Barbthroat
The Sooty Barbthroat is a hummingbird species in the family Trochilidae.It is found in French Guiana and far north-eastern Brazil. Its natural habitat is humid tropical lowland forest....
complex. Schuchmann & Hinkelmann (1999) considered the Sooty Barbthroat a melanistic variant of the T. leucurus, but as it was described first, its scientific name was adopted for the entire species; Pale-tailed Barbthroat (T. niger). This, however, has not been accepted by all authorities, notably SACC, which consider both T. niger and T. leucurus as valid species. Additionally, Mallet-Rodrigues (2006) suggested the taxon loehkeni should be considered a valid species, the Bronze-tailed Barbthroat.
Three additional species, the Tooth-billed Hummingbird
Tooth-billed Hummingbird
The Tooth-billed Hummingbird is a species of bird from the family Trochilidae. It is monotypic within the genus Androdon. It is found in humid forests in western Colombia, north-western Ecuador , and far eastern Panama...
(Androdon aequatorialis), the Green-fronted Lancebill
Green-fronted Lancebill
The Green-fronted Lancebill is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela...
(Doryfera ludovicae) and the Blue-fronted Lancebill
Blue-fronted Lancebill
The Blue-Fronted Lancebill is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela....
(D. johannae), have been included in this subfamily in the past, but are now placed in Trochilinae
Trochilinae
Trochilinae is a subfamily of the hummingbird family . Members of the subfamily Trochilinae are sometimes called typical hummingbirds. They typically display iridescent plumage in metallic reds, oranges, greens and/or blues...
.
Species in taxonomic order
- Genus Ramphodon
- Saw-billed HermitSaw-billed HermitThe Saw-billed Hermit is a hummingbird from southeastern Brazil, the only member of the genus Ramphodon. It is around 14–16 cm long and is one of the heaviest of the hermits; its straight bill has a hooked tip...
, Ramphodon naevius
- Saw-billed Hermit
- Genus EutoxeresEutoxeresEutoxeres is a genus of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.The genus contains the following species:* White-tipped Sicklebill * Buff-tailed Sicklebill...
- White-tipped SicklebillWhite-tipped SicklebillThe White-tipped Sicklebill is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Costa Rica and Panama of Central America, and Colombia, Ecuador, and far northern Peru. There is also a single recent record from Mérida in Venezuela.Its natural habitat is the undergrowth of...
, Eutoxeres aquila - Buff-tailed SicklebillBuff-tailed SicklebillThe Buff-tailed Sicklebill is a species of hermit hummingbird from the lower Andes and adjacent west Amazonian lowlands from southern Colombia and northern Ecuador to Peru and Bolivia.-Description:...
, Eutoxeres condamini
- White-tipped Sicklebill
- Genus GlaucisGlaucisGlaucis is a genus of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It contains the following species:* Bronzy Hermit, Glaucis aeneus* Hook-billed Hermit, Glaucis dohrnii* Rufous-breasted Hermit or Hairy Hermit, Glaucis hirsutus...
- Hook-billed HermitHook-billed HermitThe Hook-Billed Hermit is an endangered species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It is found in humid forests in eastern Brazil, with recent records from the states of Espírito Santo and Bahia only. It resembles the far commoner Rufous-breasted Hermit, but has a straighter bill and lacks...
, Glaucis dohrnii - Rufous-breasted HermitRufous-breasted HermitThe Rufous-breasted Hermit or Hairy Hermit is a hummingbird that breeds from Panama south to Bolivia, and on Trinidad, Tobago and Grenada. It is a widespread and generally common species, though local populations may change in numbers and disappear altogether in marginal habitat-Description:It...
or Hairy Hermit, Glaucis hirsuta - Bronzy HermitBronzy HermitThe Bronzy Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It is found in forests and thickets from eastern Honduras south to western Panama, and in the Chocó of western Colombia and north-western Ecuador. It closely resembles the larger Rufous-breasted Hermit.-References:*A Guide to...
, Glaucis aenea
- Hook-billed Hermit
- Genus ThrenetesThrenetesThrenetes is a genus in the hummingbird family . It contains the following species, collectively known as the barbthroats:* Pale-tailed Barbthroat, Threnetes leucurus...
- Band-tailed BarbthroatBand-tailed BarbthroatThe Band-tailed Barbthroat is a medium-sized hummingbird which is a resident breeder from southeastern Guatemala and Belize to western Ecuador and western Venezuela....
, Threnetes ruckeri - Sooty BarbthroatSooty BarbthroatThe Sooty Barbthroat is a hummingbird species in the family Trochilidae.It is found in French Guiana and far north-eastern Brazil. Its natural habitat is humid tropical lowland forest....
, Threnetes niger- Pale-tailed BarbthroatPale-tailed BarbthroatThe Pale-tailed Barbthroat is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in the Amazon Basin proper and bordering countries, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela....
, Threnetes (niger) leucurus - Bronze-tailed Hermit, Threnetes (niger) loehkeni
- Pale-tailed Barbthroat
- Band-tailed Barbthroat
- Genus Anopetia
- Broad-tipped HermitBroad-tipped HermitThe Broad-tipped Hermit is a species of hummingbird found in northeast Brazil that has been placed in a monotypic genus Anopetia. It has a large range and is not endangered....
, Anopetia gounellei
- Broad-tipped Hermit
- Genus PhaethornisPhaethornisPhaethornis is a genus of hummingbirds in the hermit subfamily Phaethornithinae. They occur from southern Mexico, through Central America, to South America as far south as northern Argentina.-Description and ecology:...
- Dusky-throated HermitDusky-throated HermitThe Dusky-throated Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It is endemic to humid Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil. It formerly included the Streak-throated Hermit as a subspecies...
, Phaethornis squalidus - Streak-throated HermitStreak-throated HermitThe Streak-throated Hermit , also known as the Rupurumi Hermit, is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Dusky-throated Hermit. The Streak-throated Hermit is found in forest, woodland and dense shrub in north-eastern South America...
, Phaethornis rupurumii - Tapajós HermitTapajós HermitThe Tapajós Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It is found in the south-eastern Amazon in Brazil, and its common name refers to the Tapajós River, which forms the western border of its distribution. This small hermit has rufous underparts, rump and tail-tips, white to...
, Phaethorni aethopyga - Little HermitLittle HermitThe Little Hermit is a hummingbird that is a resident breeder in north-eastern Venezuela, northern Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Trinidad. This lowland species occurs in various semi-open wooded habitats, e.g. mangrove, secondary forest, plantations and scrub. In Trinidad it also occurs in...
, Phaethornis longuemareus - Minute HermitMinute HermitThe Minute Hermit is a tiny species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It is endemic to humid Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil, ranging from Rio de Janeiro north to south-eastern Bahia. At average of 6.7 cm long and a weight under 3 grams, this is one of the smallest known...
, Phaethornis idaliae - Cinnamon-throated HermitCinnamon-throated HermitThe Cinnamon-throated Hermit is a species in the hummingbird family, Trochilidae. It is found in a broad dry to semi-humid belt along the southern edge of the Amazon Rainforest from far north-eastern Bolivia north-east to Maranhão in Brazil. Its natural habitat is tropical dry to semi-humid...
, Phaethornis nattereri- Maranhao Hermit, Phaethornis (nattereri) maranhaoensis
- Black-throated HermitBlack-throated HermitThe Black-throated Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. This small hermit is found in the western Amazon in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.-References:...
, Phaethornis atrimentalis - Stripe-throated HermitStripe-throated HermitThe Stripe-throated Hermit is a species of hummingbird from Central America and north-western South America. It is generally fairly common and considered Least Concern by BirdLife International....
, Phaethornis striigularis- Dusky Hermit, Phaethornis (striigularis) saturatus
- Gray-chinned Hermit, Phaethornis griseogularis
- Reddish HermitReddish HermitThe Reddish Hermit is a species of bird in the Trochilidae family, the hummingbirds. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and in the Guianas. At 7.5 cm and a weight under 3 grams, it is among the smallest of the hermits and smallest birds overall...
, Phaethornis ruber - White-browed HermitWhite-browed HermitThe White-Browed Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Bolivia and Peru.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.-References:...
, Phaethornis stuarti - Buff-bellied HermitBuff-bellied HermitThe Buff-Bellied Hermit is a species of bird in the Trochilidae family, the hummingbirds.It is found in Bolivia and Brazil.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.-References:...
, Phaethornis subochraceus - Sooty-capped HermitSooty-capped HermitThe Sooty-capped Hermit is a hummingbird from Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana and Brazil. It builds one of the most remarkable nests which hangs by a single stout cable of spiders' silk from some overhead support. These curious nests have been found beneath bridges, in highway culverts, and hanging...
, Phaethornis augusti - Planalto HermitPlanalto HermitThe Planalto Hermit is a species of bird in the Trochilidae family, the hummingbirds. It is found in eastern and south-central Brazil, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and marginally in north-western Argentina....
, Phaethornis pretrei - Scale-throated HermitScale-throated HermitThe Scale-throated Hermit is a species in the hummingbird family, Trochilidae.It is found in or near Atlantic forest in north-eastern Argentina, south-eastern Brazil, and eastern Paraguay...
, Phaethornis eurynome - Pale-bellied HermitPale-bellied HermitThe Pale-bellied Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.-References:* BirdLife International 2004. . Downloaded on 10...
, Phaethornis anthophilus - White-bearded HermitWhite-bearded HermitThe White-bearded Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical swamps.-References:* BirdLife International...
, Phaethornis hispidus - White-whiskered HermitWhite-whiskered HermitThe White-whiskered Hermit, Phaethornis yaruqui, is a hummingbird that is found in Colombia and Ecuador....
, Phaethornis yaruqui - Green HermitGreen HermitThe Green Hermit is a large hummingbird that is a resident breeder from southern Central America south to northwestern South America It is 5.3 in long and weighs 0.22 oz . The male Green Hermit is mainly dark green with a blue-green rump...
, Phaethornis guy - Tawny-bellied HermitTawny-bellied HermitThe Tawny-bellied Hermit, Phaethornis syrmatophorus, is a species of hummingbird. It is found in Colombia,Ecuador, and Peru.-References: Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern....
, Phaethornis syrmatophorus - Koepcke's HermitKoepcke's HermitThe Koepcke's Hermit, Ermite de Koepcke, or Ermitaño de Koepcke is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found only in Peru....
, Phaethornis koepckeae - Needle-billed HermitNeedle-billed HermitThe Needle-Billed Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.-References:...
, Phaethornis philippii - Straight-billed HermitStraight-billed HermitThe Straight-billed Hermit is a species of bird in the Trochilidae family, the hummingbirds.It is found in the Guyanas of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana; also the northern Amazon Basin of Brazil, and Amazonian Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; it is in eastern Venezuela and the Orinoco River Basin...
, Phaethornis bourcieri - Long-billed HermitLong-billed HermitThe Long-billed Hermit is a large hummingbird that is a resident breeder from central Mexico south to northwestern Colombia, extreme western Venezuela and western Ecuador...
or Western Long-tailed Hermit, Phaethornis longirostris- Mexican Hermit, Phaethornis (longirostris) mexicanus
- Baron's Hermit, Phaethornis (longirostris) baroni
- (Eastern) Long-tailed HermitLong-tailed HermitThe Long-tailed Hermit is a large hummingbird that is a resident breeder in Venezuela, the Guianas, and north-eastern Brazil...
, Phaethornis superciliosus - Great-billed HermitGreat-billed HermitThe Great-billed Hermit is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family.It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela....
, Phaethornis malaris- Margaretta's Hermit, Phaethornis (malaris) margarettae
- Dusky-throated Hermit