White-whiskered Hermit

Overview

The white-whiskered hermit (Phaethornis yaruqui) is a species of hummingbird found in the tropical forests of north-western South America. It is a medium-sized hermit that occurs primarily in Colombia and Ecuador, with isolated reports in Panama. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its population is believed to be decreasing due to habitat pressures.

Identification

• Approximately 13 cm in length, with males weighing 4 to 7 g and females 4 to 6.5 g.
• Features a bronzy crown and iridescent bluish-green upperparts, with underparts ranging from green to dark gray.
• Distinctive facial markings include a black 'mask', a buffy supercilium, and a white gular stripe.
• Males have an almost straight bill, whereas females possess a shorter, gently decurved bill and a longer tail.

Habitat

Found from Colombia's northern Chocó Department south through western Ecuador to El Oro Province, with occasional reports near the Colombian border in Panama. It inhabits humid mid-elevation and montane forest, secondary forest, dense shrublands, and plantations. Typically occurring below 1,200 m, it has been recorded at elevations as high as 2,000 m.

Diet

As a 'trap-line' feeder, it visits a circuit of various flowering plants to collect nectar. It also consumes small arthropods as part of its diet.

Did you know?

During courtship displays at a lek, the bird performs a series of 'seek' notes while wagging its tail on a low perch. Its breeding nests are unique cone-shaped cups suspended from the underside of drooping leaves.