Little Hermit
Phaethornis longuemareus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="phaethornis-longuemareus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A tiny hermit hummingbird (8-9 cm), one of the smallest hummingbirds. Found in humid forests from Mexico to Brazil and Trinidad. Green upperparts with rufous-buff underparts and a curved bill. Nectarivore of forest undergrowth, visiting small flowers along forest streams and trails.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 8.6 cm | 3.4 in |
| Weight | 3.3 g | 0.12 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Tiny; bronze-green upperparts with rufous-buff rump band; buff underparts; pale buff supercilium and malar stripe bordering dark face mask; white-tipped elongated central tail feathers; Trinidad and Venezuela species.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Found from Trinidad and northern Venezuela west through much of Amazonia to Bolivia. Resident in lowland forest undergrowth near streams.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily nectar-feeding; uses exceptionally curved bill to access heliconia blossoms; supplements with small insects.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Loud, ringing whistle with bold projection; clear single-pitch call carrying impressively across open montane grassland.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Phaethornis |
| Species | Phaethornis longuemareus |
Distribution
Little Hermit has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Little Hermit eat?
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What does the Little Hermit sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family