Saw-billed Hermit
NameSaw-billed Hermit
Common NameSaw-billed Hermit
Scientific NameRamphodon naevius
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)18
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are bronzy-green. The head features a dark eye-stripe bordered by a buffy-white supercilium and malar stripe. The throat and upper breast are rufous-orange, transitioning to buffy-white on the lower breast and belly, all heavily streaked with dark brown. The tail is dark with buffy-orange tips on the outer rectrices, and the bill is black with a yellow base to the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched 'tsip' or 'tseet' notes, often given while foraging or perched. It may also produce a series of chattering or squeaky sounds.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, ranging from Espírito Santo south to Santa Catarina.
Identifying FeaturesLong, straight, and serrated bill, Rufous-orange throat and upper breast, Dark eye-stripe with buffy supercilium and malar stripe, Heavily streaked underparts, Large size for a hummingbird
Description
The Saw-billed Hermit is a large hummingbird characterized by its remarkably long, straight, and finely serrated bill, which it uses to feed on nectar. This species typically forages in the understory of humid forests, often perching quietly between feeding bouts.
