Planalto hermit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Planalto hermit |
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| Conservation status | |
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Phaethornis
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| Species: |
pretrei
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The planalto hermit (Phaethornis pretrei) is a type of hummingbird. You can find it in several South American countries. These include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru.
Contents
About the Planalto Hermit
How Scientists Classify This Bird
Scientists once thought the planalto hermit might be in its own special group. But they quickly decided it belongs with other hummingbirds. It is very similar to the sooty-capped hermit. They might even be part of a "superspecies," meaning they are very closely related. There are no different types (subspecies) of the planalto hermit.
What Does the Planalto Hermit Look Like?
The planalto hermit is a medium-sized hummingbird. It is about 14 to 16.5 cm (5.5 to 6.5 in) long. Males weigh about 4.5 to 7 g (0.16 to 0.25 oz). Females are a bit lighter, weighing 3 to 5 g (0.11 to 0.18 oz).
Most of its upper body is olive green. Its upper tail feathers are reddish. The feathers next to the inner tail feathers are longer than the others. All its tail feathers have white tips. Its belly and chest are cinnamon red. The bird has a black "mask" on its face. It also has a white stripe above its eye and another white stripe on its throat. Male and female planalto hermits look similar. However, females have shorter wings. Their beaks are also not as curved downwards.
Where the Planalto Hermit Lives
Planalto Hermit Habitat
You can find the planalto hermit in a large area of Brazil. This area is south of the Amazon rainforest. It also lives in eastern Bolivia, northern Argentina, and much of Paraguay. There are also many sightings of this bird in Peru.
This hummingbird lives in many different places. It likes areas with lots of plants, even if they are not dense forests. It also lives in dry forests and forests that are regrowing. You can also find it in forests along rivers. It can even live in places changed by humans, as long as there are trees and plants. These birds live at elevations from 400 to 2,100 m (1,300 to 6,900 ft).
Planalto Hermit Behavior
Movement and Migration
Scientists think that the planalto hermit might move around a bit. It might be partly migratory in some areas. This means it moves from one place to another during different seasons. However, there isn't full proof of this yet.
What Do They Eat?
Like other hermit hummingbirds, the planalto hermit probably uses a "trap-line" feeding method. This means it visits a regular path of flowering plants. It goes to these plants to drink nectar. Nectar is a sweet liquid that gives them energy. It also eats small insects and spiders.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The planalto hermit's nesting season is not fully known. But it seems to be from August to April. Its nest looks like a long, cone-shaped cup. It is made from plant materials and spider webs.
Most other Phaethornis hermits hang their nests from leaves. But the planalto hermit is different. It hangs its nest from a vertical branch. It also builds nests inside rock caves. Sometimes, it even nests in or under human structures. These can include culverts, bridges, or old buildings. The female usually lays two eggs.
How They Sing
The song of the planalto hermit can change a lot. It often sounds like a series of notes. For example, it might sing 'ti-tsi...tsi...tsi...tsi...ti-tsi...tsi..tsi'. Sometimes, it sings phrases with three notes, like 'chu-tsi-tsi...chu-tsi-tsi...chu-tsi-tsi...'.
Planalto Hermit Status
Is the Planalto Hermit in Danger?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has looked at the planalto hermit. They have decided it is a species of "Least Concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. We don't know exactly how many there are or if their numbers are changing. However, this bird is common in its large home range. It lives in many protected areas. It also does well in places changed by humans. This includes gardens and city parks.
