Tawny-bellied Hermit
NameTawny-bellied Hermit
Common NameTawny-bellied Hermit
Scientific NamePhaethornis syrmatophorus
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are bronzy-green, often with a rufous rump. Underparts are tawny to rufous-orange, especially on the belly and flanks. It has a prominent dark mask through the eye, bordered above and below by buffy streaks. The long, decurved bill has a reddish lower mandible, and the tail is graduated with white tips on the outer rectrices.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin, and often repeated 'seep' or 'tsip' notes, sometimes given in a series of 'tseet' or 'tsee-tsee' sounds.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes of southern Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru.
Identifying FeaturesLong, strongly decurved bill with reddish lower mandible, Tawny to rufous-orange underparts, Dark facial mask with buffy superciliary and malar streaks, Bronzy-green upperparts, Graduated tail with white tips on outer feathers
Description
This medium-sized hummingbird is characterized by its tawny underparts, dark facial mask, and a long, strongly decurved bill. It typically forages for nectar in the understory of humid montane forests, often hovering while feeding.
