Little Hermit
Phaethornis longuemareus
Tiny, mostly warm brown hummingbird. Note distinctive curved bill; long, white central tail feathers; and dark brown throat. Found in understory of swampy forest, including second growth and abandoned plantations, primarily in coastal areas. Forages on nectar, visiting widely-spaced food sources and often seen flying between them in low, direct flight, giving a characteristic plaintive squeak. At close range, often detected by loud and erratic wing noise, like a large bee, as it weaves among understory plants. May pause briefly to investigate people. Males sing from low perches; song is a series of high, slurred notes with a distinctive pattern. Most similar to Reddish Hermit, but Little is much less rufous, lacks a black breast band, and is generally restricted to coastal swamp forests.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Phaethornis longuemareus
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1832)
- Order
- Caprimulgiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Phaethornis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Stripe-breasted Spinetail
Synallaxis cinnamomea
A distinctive-looking spinetail found from central Colombia to Trinidad and Tobago. Dark brown overall with rusty wings. Look for a whitish throat and dark streaking on chest. Some variation across range; populations differ in the amount of streaking and the presence or absence of a buffy eyebrow. Occurs in the understory of forests, edges, and scrubbier woodland from sea level to around 1,500 m. Like many other spinetails, skulky and difficult to see. Listen for squeaky nasal “peet-purr!” calls, often repeated.
Blue-eared Lory
Trichoglossus semilarvatus
A spectacular, long-tailed bright red parrot with purple-blue cheeks and throat, scattered blue markings on the wings, and a deep blue belly. Juveniles duller, showing less blue. Found primarily in montane forest, but also occurs in foothills. Typically seen in groups. Limited to the island of Seram. Differs from Red and Purple-naped Lories in its blue belly, extensive blue cheeks, and blue throat. Noisy, giving harsh shrieks mostly in flight, including repetitive “EEK” and “EE-ER” notes.
Red-crested Finch
Coryphospingus cucullatus
A distinctive red finchlike bird found in woodlands, forest edges, shrubby areas, urban parks, and gardens. Males are mostly dark red with a cinnamon back, and a black crown with a bright red center. Females lack the crest and are mostly dark brown with a cinnamon breast and rump. Both sexes have white eyerings. The song is a series of two alternating whistles.
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