Life Histories of Hermit Hummingbirds

MOST hummingbirds spend much time in sunshine, either in the upper levels of woodland or in open or semi-open country of various sorts, and they have developed the glittering plumage for which their family is famous. A few, however, inhabit the depths of tropical woodland where only stray sunbeams penetrate. A number of these shade-dwellers have been called "hermits," not because they are less sociable than other hummingbirds, but because of their modest attire, in which browns predominate. Usually they have long bills, and often also long tails. In an earlier paper (Skutch, 1951) I gave an account of one of these shade-dwelling hummingbirds, Longuemare's Hermit, now frequently called the Little Hermit (Phaethornis longuemareus). The present paper includes additional information on this species, but it is mainly devoted to the related Long-tailed Hermit (P. superciliosus). A shorter account of the habits of the Green Hermit (P. guy) is also given. Finally, there is a brief section on the Band-tailed Barbthroat, also known as Rucker's Hermit (Threnetes ruckeri), whose nest I have never seen, but which I include because of its wonderful song. LONG-TAILED HERMIT