Phaethornis superciliosus
The Long-tailed Hermit (Phaethornis superciliosus) is a stunning neotropical hummingbird renowned for its exceptionally elongated central tail feathers, often exceeding half its body length, making it a striking sight in the forest understory. Measuring 13.5-15 cm in length, with its tail streamers contributing up to 8 cm, and weighing a delicate 4-6 grams, this hermit exhibits iridescent bronze-green upperparts and pale rufous to buffy underparts. A distinctive facial pattern of a dark mask ...
Found primarily in humid tropical and subtropical lowland rainforests, including mature and secondary growth, and forest edges, typically at elevations up to 1200 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, especially those with long corollas. It also consumes small arthropods, such as spiders and insects, which it gleans from foliage or catches in flight.
Active from dawn to dusk, the Long-tailed Hermit engages in a 'trap-lining' foraging strategy, diligently following a consistent circuit of flowering plants for nectar throughout the day. Males are particularly vocal at communal display grounds known as leks, where they perform elaborate courtshi...
The Long-tailed Hermit boasts a wide distribution across Southern Central America and northern South America. Its range extends from southeastern Honduras, through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and into Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Trinidad, and Tobago. Within this vast area, it primarily i...
Least Concern
- The 'superciliosus' in its scientific name refers to its prominent white supercilium, or eyebrow stripe. - Its central tail feathers can be nearly as long as its entire body, a distinguishing feature among hermits. - Males engage in elaborate 'lekking' behavior, gathering in communal areas to s...