Great-billed Hermit
NameGreat-billed Hermit
Common NameGreat-billed Hermit
Scientific NamePhaethornis malaris
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)7.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are bronzy-green to olive-green, with a rufous rump. Underparts are grayish-buff to rufous-buff. It features a dark mask across the eye, bordered by buffy superciliary and malar stripes. The long, graduated tail has white tips on the outer rectrices, and the bill is long, decurved, with a reddish lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of high-pitched, squeaky notes that can accelerate into a trill. Calls include sharp 'chip' or 'tsip' notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northern South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, often in somewhat disjunct populations.
Identifying FeaturesLong, strongly decurved bill with reddish lower mandible, Distinctive facial pattern with dark mask and buffy stripes, Relatively large size for a hummingbird, Long, graduated tail with white tips on outer feathers
Description
The Great-billed Hermit is a large hummingbird characterized by its long, strongly decurved bill and dull, earthy plumage. It typically forages in the understory of humid lowland and foothill forests, often trap-lining for nectar from various flowers.
