Rufous-breasted Hermit
NameRufous-breasted Hermit
Common NameRufous-breasted Hermit
Scientific NameGlaucis hirsuta
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)10.7
Weight (g)6
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are bronzy-green, contrasting with a dark mask through the eye and a pale buffy supercilium. The underparts are a rich rufous, extending to the flanks and undertail coverts. The tail is dark with white tips on the outer feathers, and the bill is long and strongly decurved, with a yellow lower mandible and dark tip.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a high-pitched, thin 'seep' or 'tsip' note, often given repeatedly. When agitated or displaying, it may produce a rapid, chattering series of notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, from Costa Rica south through Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Trinidad and Tobago, and much of Brazil, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.
Identifying FeaturesLong, strongly decurved bill, Rufous underparts, Bronzy-green upperparts, Dark eye mask with pale supercilium, White tips on outer tail feathers
Description
The Rufous-breasted Hermit is a medium-sized hummingbird characterized by its long, decurved bill and rufous underparts. It typically forages for nectar in the understory of humid forests, often hovering with rapid wingbeats.
