Reddish Hermit

Overview

The reddish hermit (Phaethornis ruber) is a small hummingbird species within the family Trochilidae. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing despite a very large range.

Identification

• Body length ranges from 8 to 9 cm, with a weight between 1.8 and 3 g.
• Upperparts are generally dark green and rufous, while underparts are cinnamon rufous.
• Males feature a black band on the chest and narrow white or reddish tips on the tail feathers; females have lighter underparts.
• Song consists of a high-pitched phrase repeated with clear pauses, described as 'tsee....tsee...tsee...tsee.tse.tsitsi', often accompanied by long whining calls when hovering and a 'stip!' flight call.

Habitat

Found across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas. The species is assumed to be sedentary, with breeding seasons varying from May to October in the north and October to February in the south.

Diet

Acts as a 'trap-line' feeder, visiting a circuit of many flowering plant species for nectar, and also consumes small arthropods. Nectar robbing by piercing the base of a flower has been observed in southeastern Brazil.

Did you know?

The bird was originally depicted in 1743 by George Edwards under the name 'The little brown huming-bird', based on a specimen owned by the Duke of Richmond that had been collected in Suriname.