Hummingbirds are known for their vibrant colors, swift flight, and ability to hover in midair. While most hummingbird species have solid or iridescent plumage, there is one group of hummingbirds that possesses distinctive stripes – the hermits. Hermit hummingbirds comprise a subfamily called Phaethornithinae that contains around 34 different species. Many hermit hummingbird species have boldly patterned tails or throats with conspicuous stripes. So if you see a hummingbird with stripes, it likely belongs to the hermit family of hummingbirds.
What are hermit hummingbirds?
Hermit hummingbirds are a diverse group found primarily in Central and South America. Most hermit species inhabit dense forest areas, which gives rise to their descriptive name. Unlike other hummingbirds that often feed at flowers in open meadows or backyards, hermits tend to stick to forest interiors and the shade of the canopy. Their long decurved bills allow them to access nectar from exotic blooms that dangle high up in the trees. While they prefer secluded wooded areas, some hermit hummingbird species can be found in more open habitats such as scrublands. Most hermits are relatively small in size, measuring 7 to 9 cm in total length. The majority have short square tails. The vibrant tail plumage distinguishes males of the species from the duller females.
Hermits get their common name from their reclusive nature. But another distinguishing feature of this group is the presence of striped plumage, particularly on the tail and throat feathers. Next, we’ll take a closer look at some hermit species that exhibit characteristic stripes.
Hermit Species with Striped Plumage
Band-tailed Barbthroat
The band-tailed barbthroat (Threnetes ruckeri) is aptly named for the bold stripes found on the male’s tail. This medium-sized hermit ranges from Costa Rica south to Bolivia inhabiting forest interiors. The male’s tail pattern consists of a broad subterminal black band and narrow white tip. The throat is a vibrant violet color. Females lack the tail band and have white edges on the outer tail feathers. Unique from other hermits, the band-tailed barbthroat’s bill is short and straight.
Reddish Hermit
The reddish hermit (Phaethornis ruber) is distributed across much of South America. As the name suggests, males have an overall rufous coloration. The throat is a distinctive pale gray with thin darker stripes. The stripes help distinguish it from the similar-looking stripe-throated hermit. Females lack the striped throat and are duller brownish overall.
Stripe-throated Hermit
The stripe-throated hermit (Phaethornis striigularis) closely resembles the reddish hermit but has a broader striped throat pattern. It is found from Mexico to Bolivia, occupying a wide range of forest and scrub habitats. In addition to the boldly striped white throat, the male has green upperparts and a rufous tail with a black subterminal band. The stripes on the female’s throat are less distinct.
Pale-bellied Hermit
The pale-bellied hermit (Phaethornis anthophilus) is native to the Amazon basin of South America. True to its name, the male has a pale gray belly that contrasts sharply with the rufous underparts. The throat has fine dark stripes over a white background. Females have a streaked throat and lack the male’s colorful plumage.
Needle-billed Hermit
The needle-billed hermit (Phaethornis philippii) lives in Central America and northern South America. The straight, sharp bill gives rise to the common name. Males have green upperparts and a white throat crossed by thin dusky stripes. The underparts are cinnamon-colored with faint striping on the breast. Females resemble males but are slightly duller.
Great-billed Hermit
As its name denotes, the great-billed hermit (Phaethornis malaris) has an exceptionally large bill, measuring around 5 inches long. It is the largest hermit species. This giant hermit is found from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil. Males have a striped white throat and black-banded rufous tail. The black bill is markedly curved.
Saw-billed Hermit
The saw-billed hermit (Phaethornis petrei) is aptly named for its long serrated bill. It inhabits forested areas from Mexico south to Bolivia and Brazil. Males have green upperparts, a light buff throat with dusky stripes, and a rufous tail with wide black bands. The extremely long bill has a hooked tip. Females resemble males but have a slightly shorter bill.
Unique Adaptations of Hermit Hummingbirds
Hermit hummingbirds possess special physical adaptations that allow them to thrive in dense forests and access flower nectar:
Needle-like Bills
Many hermit species have exceptionally long, pointed bills that can reach lengths of 5 inches. This allows them to feed on tube-shaped flowers that dangle from high branches or creepers. The flexible bill also enables them to poke into the corners of unusual blossoms.
Short Wings
Hermits have relatively short, rounded wings compared to other hummingbirds. This design allows for greater agility and maneuverability in confined forest spaces. The short wings provide quick bursts of speed necessary to dart between branches and foliage.
Reversed Size Dimorphism
In most hummingbird species, females are larger than males. But in hermits, the males are usually equal to or larger than the females. The larger male size may offer a competitive advantage when defending territory or accessing females.
Clawed Feet
Hermits possess clawed feet that enable them to clamber along branches and cling to bark. Other hummingbirds have tiny reduced feet not well suited for perching. But the hermit’s larger feet and curved claws help them grip vertical surfaces.
Migration and Distribution
The migration habits of hermit hummingbirds vary depending on the species and geographic location. Here are some patterns seen:
- Some populations of hermits living farther north are migratory, moving south for the winter.
- More southern populations tend to be non-migratory and reside year-round on breeding grounds.
- Seasonal altitudinal migration occurs for some species that shift elevations between breeding and non-breeding seasons.
- In Central America, movements parallel the flowering of preferred food sources.
Hermits occupy a wide range of habitats in the Neotropics but are concentrated in Central America and northern South America. Diversity decreases farther south. No hermits are found in the driest desert regions of South America or the extreme southern reaches of the continent.
Countries and Regions with Hermit Populations
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Belize
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Guyana
- Suriname
- French Guiana
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Brazil
Hermit Hummingbird Behavior
Hermit hummingbirds exhibit some interesting behaviors and adaptations to their forest lifestyle:
Aggressive Territoriality
Hermits defend feeding territories aggressively against intruders and rivals. Aerial chases and vocalizations advertise occupied areas.
Aerial Courtship Displays
Elaborate aerial displays are used to attract females during the breeding season. Males fly in loops, dives, and ascents to show off colorful plumage.
Nectar Thievery
Hermits often steal nectar by piercing flower bases instead of pollinating. This behavior is called “nectar robbing” and doesn’t benefit the plant.
Traplining
Hermits regularly visit the same circuit of productive flowers, like trapliners checking a series of traps. This allows efficient nectar feeding within territorial ranges.
Occasional Insectivory
Though mostly nectar feeders, hermits opportunistically hawk insects for extra protein, especially while breeding.
Vocal Mimicry
Some hermit species mimic sounds of other birds and insects in their forest habitat. The function of this mimicry remains unclear.
Breeding and Nesting
Here are some key facts about hermit hummingbird breeding biology:
- Pairs do not maintain long-term bonds. Males attract new mates each season.
- Elaborate courtship displays advertise territory ownership and fitness.
- Nests are small, compact cups built in branches or forks.
- Spider webs and lichens camouflage exterior of nests.
- Females lay 2 tiny white eggs.
- Incubation lasts 14-19 days.
- Chicks hatch with closed eyes and little down.
- Young fledge at 18-24 days old.
- Females provide all parental care.
- Most species produce multiple broods per season.
Hermit Hummingbird Diet
Hermit hummingbirds are specialized for feeding on nectar, but also consume small insects on occasion:
Nectar
The primary food source is floral nectar from blooms of tropical trees, shrubs, epiphytes, and vines. Hermits favor flowers with long, curved corollas to match their bills.
Small Insects and Spiders
While hovering or perched, hermits pick tiny insects and spiders off foliage. Aerial hawking of insects provides essential proteins.
Sap
In the absence of flowers, hermits drink sap oozing from holes bored by woodpeckers or other means. The sap provides carbohydrates.
Pollen
When feeding on nectar, hermits also ingest some pollen sticking to the flower. The pollen provides protein and micronutrients.
Fruit
On rare occasions, hermits supplement their diet with juice from pierced ripe fruits. Bananas may attract fruit-feeding hermits.
Key Facts and Characteristics
Below is a quick overview of key traits and identifiers for hermit hummingbirds:
- Around 34 described species in the subfamily Phaethornithinae
- Small to medium sized from 7-9 cm long
- Prefer forest interiors and dense vegetation
- Long decurved bills adapted for probing flowers
- Males have vibrant iridescent plumage, females are duller
- Many species have bold striped or banded tail patterns
- Short rounded wings provide agility in dense habitats
- Aggressively defend feeding territories
- Mostly subsist on nectar from forest blooms
Threats and Conservation
Some key threats facing hermit hummingbird populations include:
- Habitat loss from deforestation
- Forest fragmentation isolates populations
- Climate change may impact specialized flower relationships
- Competition with more aggressive hummingbird species
- Parasitism byPhilornis flies in nests can be deadly
Conservation strategies to protect hermits include:
- Preserving intact forest through parks and reserves
- Connecting fragmented habitats via corridors
- Protecting key flowering plants
- Monitoring populations and range shifts
- Ecotourism to fund conservation efforts
Given their sensitivity to disturbance, hermit hummingbirds serve as important indicators of forest health. Protecting their preferred habitats helps conserve biodiversity more broadly.
Conclusion
While flashy hummingbirds with iridescent gorgets and crowns may steal the show, the subtly beautiful hermits deserve recognition too. Their diminutive size, cryptic plumage, and reclusive nature make them elusive. But hermits brandishing bold striped tail feathers offer a window into their beauty. By inhabiting untouched forests across Central and South America, hermits serve critical ecological roles as pollinators and prey. Their preference for pristine habitats underscores the importance of conservation – for vibrant hermit hummingbirds and countless other organisms relying on healthy tropical ecosystems.
