Tawny-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)

Identification & Behavior: ~16 cm (6.3 in). The Tawny-bellied Hermit is mainly dull brownish green above. The underparts and rump are tawny. It has a dark mask through the eye, bordered above and below with whitish-buff stripes.  The bill is very long and decurved, with a mostly red lower mandible. The tapered tail is dusky with tawny tips on each feather, except for the central pair, which is longer and tipped white. It is similar to the Great-billed Hermit but is distinguished by overall more saturated colors, tawny underparts, and by ranging at higher elevations.

Status: The Tawny-bellied Hermit is uncommon on the east slope of the northern Andes at elevations ranging between 1200 – 2200 m. The Tawny-bellied Hermit also occurs at similar elevations in the humid montane forest of Piura and Cajamarca and humid and semi-deciduous forests in western Piura. It also occurs in Co and Ec.

Name in Spanish: Ermitaño de Vientre Leonado.

Sub-species: Tawny-bellied Hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus columbianus), Boucard 1891.

Meaning of Name: Phaethornis: Gr. Phao= sun sunshine, and ornis= bird. syrmatophorus: Gr. surma, surmatos= with a long train and phoros: bearing, carrying, to carry.

See more of the Family Trochilidae