Minute Hermit
NameMinute Hermit
Common NameMinute Hermit
Scientific NamePhaethornis idaliae
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)9
Length (cm)7
Weight (g)2.2
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are bronzy-green; underparts are rufous to cinnamon, fading to whitish on the belly. It features a dark mask through the eye bordered by a pale supercilium above and a pale malar stripe below. The bill is long and strongly decurved, blackish with a pale mandible base. Tail feathers are dark with white tips on the outer rectrices.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include high-pitched, thin 'tsip' or 'seep' notes, often delivered in a rapid series. Males also produce a simple, high-pitched song during their display flights.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil, primarily found in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.
Identifying Featuresstrongly decurved bill, dark facial mask with pale stripes, rufous underparts, small size, white-tipped outer tail feathers
Description
The Minute Hermit is a tiny hummingbird distinguished by its strongly decurved bill, dark facial mask, and rufous underparts. It typically forages low in the understory of humid forests, primarily feeding on nectar while also consuming small arthropods.
