Phaethornis aethopygus
The Tapajos Hermit (Phaethornis aethopygus) is a diminutive and enigmatic hummingbird, first described to science as recently as 2010, making it one of the newest additions to the avian family Trochilidae. Males and females share similar drab, cryptically colored plumage, characteristic of the *Phaethornis* genus, lacking the iridescent gorgets often associated with other hummingbirds. Its overall appearance is a dusky olive-green on the upperparts, contrasting with a grayish-ochre belly. Key...
This species primarily inhabits the understory of humid tropical lowland rainforests, often frequenting forest edges and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations below 200 meters, preferring dense vegetation near watercourses.
The Tapajos Hermit feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet with small arthropods like spiders and insects captured through gleaning or hawking. Its long, decurved bill is perfectly adapted for probing deep into tubular flowers.
Like many hermits, the Tapajos Hermit is a trap-line forager, patrolling a regular circuit of scattered flowers to feed throughout the day. It typically forages alone, exhibiting a highly territorial nature around favored floral resources or lekking sites, though lekking behavior for this specifi...
The Tapajos Hermit is endemic to a restricted interfluvial region within the Brazilian Amazon basin. Its known distribution lies primarily between the lower and middle reaches of the Tapajós River to the east and the Madeira River to the west, specifically in the state of Pará and potentially adj...
Near Threatened
- The Tapajos Hermit was only formally described to science in 2010, making it one of the newest hummingbird species discovered in the Amazon. - Its scientific name, *aethopygus*, refers to its "fiery tail," though the exact reasoning for this epithet in relation to its appearance is still debate...