Phaethornis yaruqui
The White-whiskered Hermit, *Phaethornis yaruqui*, is a striking, medium-sized hummingbird renowned for its distinctive facial markings and agile flight through the forest understory. Measuring approximately 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 in) in length and weighing 5-6 grams (0.18-0.21 oz), this species boasts iridescent dark metallic green upperparts that contrast with its rufous lower back, rump, and undertail coverts. Its most iconic feature is the prominent white malar stripe, resembling a 'whisker', ...
Found in humid to very wet evergreen forests, forest borders, and dense secondary growth, often tolerating plantations. It typically inhabits elevations from sea level up to 1800 meters, occasionally reaching 2000 meters.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of long-tubed flowers, including Heliconia, Centropogon, Psychotria, and Palicourea, supplemented by small spiders and insects gleaned from foliage.
The White-whiskered Hermit is a primarily solitary and diurnal species, spending its days meticulously foraging along established 'trap-lines' through its forest territory. It visits a circuit of flowering plants, remembering their locations and blooming schedules, systematically collecting necta...
The White-whiskered Hermit is a resident species found primarily along the Pacific slope of northwestern South America. Its distribution spans from the Chocó region of western Colombia, south through western Ecuador, and extending into the extreme northern reaches of Peru (Tumbes region). It is c...
Least Concern
- The 'whiskers' of the White-whiskered Hermit are actually prominent white malar stripes, a key identifier among similar hermit species. - Like many hermits, this species practices 'trap-lining,' visiting a regular circuit of flowering plants to efficiently collect nectar. - Males sing from trad...