Phaethornis subochraceus
The Buff-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis subochraceus) is a captivating small hummingbird, characteristic of the 'hermit' subfamily, renowned for its distinctive buff coloration and specialized foraging habits. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing a mere 3.5-5.5 grams, this species exhibits greenish-bronze upperparts that contrast with its defining buff-colored underparts, especially on the belly and flanks. Key field marks include a prominent dark facial mask border...
This hermit primarily inhabits dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, gallery forests, and cerrado scrubland, often frequenting forest edges and disturbed areas. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations, generally between 200 and 1,500 meters above sea level.
Mainly feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, particularly those with long, tubular blossoms. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which are hawked in flight or gleaned from foliage.
The Buff-bellied Hermit is a diurnal and solitary hummingbird, spending its days methodically foraging along established 'traplines' of flowering plants. Males are polygynous, engaging in a fascinating lekking display during the breeding season, where they gather at traditional sites to sing and ...
The Buff-bellied Hermit is endemic to a relatively restricted portion of central South America, primarily found across central and eastern Bolivia. Its distribution extends into adjacent southwestern Brazil, particularly within the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, and potentially reaches into northw...
Least Concern
- The Buff-bellied Hermit is a 'trapliner,' meaning it follows a regular circuit of flowers to feed, remembering their locations and timings for nectar replenishment. - Males of this species engage in a unique lek breeding system, where they gather in communal display grounds to sing and perform ...