Cinnamon-throated Hermit

Overview

The cinnamon-throated hermit (Phaethornis nattereri) is a small species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is currently assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Approximately 10 cm (3.9 in) in length, weighing between 2.3 and 3 g.
• Males feature brownish upperparts, green wings, and tawny underparts, while females have a paler throat and longer central tail feathers.
• Both sexes possess a black facial 'mask' accentuated by a pale supercilium and malar stripe.
• Males exhibit an inner pair of tail feathers that are long and white-tipped.
• The song is described as a high-pitched phrase repeated incessantly without pauses, such as 'tsee ... tsee ... tsee ... nya-ka-wee'.

Habitat

Found in eastern Bolivia and across various Brazilian states, including Mato Grosso, Rondônia, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Pará, and Tocantins. The species inhabits non-rainforest landscapes such as semi-deciduous, secondary, and gallery forests, cerrado, and caatinga. It ranges in elevation from sea level up to 500 m (1,600 ft).

Diet

As a 'trap-line' feeder, it visits a circuit of flowering plants to consume nectar. It also feeds on small arthropods.

Did you know?

Birds historically known as the Maranhao hermit are now considered the male plumage of the cinnamon-throated hermit rather than a distinct subspecies. However, because they occur in a separate northern part of the range and appear to have different vocalizations, they may warrant recognition as a distinct species, P. maranhaoensis.