Phaethornis pretrei
The Planalto Hermit (*Phaethornis pretrei*) is a medium-sized hummingbird, typically measuring 11-13 cm (4-5 inches) in length and weighing 4-6 grams. Its plumage features greenish-bronze upperparts contrasting with warm buff to rufous underparts, a hallmark of many hermit species. Distinctive field marks include a dark facial mask bordered by prominent creamy superciliary and malar stripes, a long, strongly decurved bill, and elongated central tail feathers tipped with white. Taxonomically, ...
Found in a variety of subtropical and tropical environments, primarily inhabiting moist lowland and montane forests, gallery forests along watercourses, and forest edges, often in secondary growth or plantations. Its elevational range extends from sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar gathered from a diverse array of flowering plants, often specializing in those with long, tubular corollas that match its decurved bill. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which are crucial for protein, often caught by gleaning from foliage or hawking i...
Planalto Hermits are primarily diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day but often maintaining specific, favored nocturnal roosts within dense vegetation. Their foraging strategy is classic "trap-lining," where individuals systematically visit a fixed circuit of scattered, nectar-rich flowers...
The Planalto Hermit is endemic to South America, primarily distributed across central and eastern Brazil, extending into eastern Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Its core range encompasses the vast Brazilian Planalto, including states such as Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso...
Least Concern
- Unlike many "typical" hummingbirds with dazzling iridescent gorgets, the Planalto Hermit, like other hermits, relies on cryptic camouflage and a drabber, earthy plumage to blend into its forest understory habitat. - Its extremely long, decurved bill is perfectly adapted for probing deep into co...