Dusky-throated hermit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dusky-throated hermit |
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Phaethornis
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| Species: |
squalidus
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The dusky-throated hermit (Phaethornis squalidus) is a small, brownish hummingbird. It lives only in Brazil. This bird is known for its unique look and how it finds food.
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What does the dusky-throated hermit look like?
The dusky-throated hermit is about 10 to 12.5 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long. It weighs around 2.5 to 3.5 grams (about 0.1 ounces). This makes it a medium-sized hermit hummingbird.
Its back is a greenish color. Its belly and chest are a yellowish-brown color. It has a black "mask" across its eyes. There are white stripes above its eyes and on its cheeks. Its throat is dark brown. Male and female birds look very similar. However, females might have lighter underparts. Their beaks might also be slightly more curved.
Where does this hummingbird live?
The dusky-throated hermit lives in southeastern Brazil. You can find it in states like Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Santa Catarina. It also lives near the Iguazu Falls in western Paraná.
These birds prefer humid forests. They live in the lower parts of both old and new forests. They can be found from coastal areas up to high elevations of 2,250 meters (about 7,380 feet).
How does the dusky-throated hermit behave?
Staying in one place
Scientists believe the dusky-throated hermit does not migrate. It stays in the same area all year round.
What does it eat?
This hummingbird mainly eats nectar from flowers. It also eats small arthropods, which are tiny insects or spiders. We don't know much about how it finds its food.
How does it raise its young?
The breeding season for the dusky-throated hermit is from October to February. Its nest is shaped like a cone. It hangs from the underside of a drooping leaf. The female bird lays two eggs. She is the only one who sits on the eggs to keep them warm.
What sounds does it make?
The dusky-throated hermit has a special song. It's a high-pitched, complex warbling sound. It repeats this sound continuously. For example, it might sound like 'tsi-teeé-tsa-tsa-tseé-CHAW-CHAW'. Its call is a high-pitched 'tsee!'.
Is the dusky-throated hermit in danger?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) says this bird is of "Least Concern." This means it's not currently in danger of disappearing. However, we don't know how many of these birds there are. We also don't know if their numbers are growing or shrinking. The ongoing destruction of rainforests could be a big threat to them in the future.
