White-whiskered Hermit
NameWhite-whiskered Hermit
Common NameWhite-whiskered Hermit
Scientific NamePhaethornis yaruqui
FamilyTrochilidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)5
Plumage DetailsIridescent green upperparts, grayish underparts, and a dark mask through the eye bordered by a prominent white supercilium and a white malar stripe. The throat is dark, and the central tail feathers are elongated and tipped with white.
Vocalization / CallA series of high-pitched, thin 'seep' or 'tsip' notes, often given while foraging or in display. Calls can also include a rapid, chattering 'chip-chip-chip'.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the humid lowlands and foothills of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, typically at elevations between 100 and 1200 meters.
Identifying Featureslong decurved bill, iridescent green upperparts, dark facial mask with white supercilium and malar stripe, elongated white-tipped central tail feathers
Description
This medium-sized hummingbird is characterized by its long, strongly decurved bill and elongated central tail feathers tipped with white. It exhibits iridescent green upperparts and a distinctive facial pattern with a dark mask bordered by prominent white streaks, giving it a 'whiskered' appearance. It typically forages for nectar in the understory of humid forests.
