Stripe-throated Hermit

The Stripe-throated Hermit, Phaethornis striigularis, is a diminutive hummingbird, a jewel of Central America and north-western South America. With a length of 9–10 cm and a weight of a mere 2–3 grams, it flutters as one of the smaller hermits. Its plumage is a tapestry of nature's artistry: dull iridescent green adorns the wing-coverts, mantle, nape, and crown, while the rump boasts a pale rufous hue. The belly and flanks are a soft buff, and the central underparts, along with the throat, are a pale greyish brown, the latter marked with subtle dark streaks. A blackish "bandit-mask" graces the face, framed by a whitish-buff supercilium and malar. Flight-feathers and tail are a dark contrast, blackish with tips ranging from whitish to ochraceous, varying by subspecies. The bill, a hallmark of hermits, is long and decurved, with a yellow base on the lower mandible and otherwise a stark black.

Identification Tips

To identify this species, look for the characteristic long, decurved bill and the unique coloration of the throat with its faint streaks. The sexes are nearly identical, making them a challenge to distinguish in the field. Juveniles can be recognized by their paler rufous back.

Habitat

The Stripe-throated Hermit thrives in a variety of wooded environments, from humid forests and woodlands to clearings, thickets, and even gardens. It shows a preference for humid regions but can also be found in drier, deciduous areas.

Distribution

This species is a resident bird found from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. It is known to inhabit lowlands and foothills, occasionally venturing up to 1,800 meters above sea level.

Behaviour

The Stripe-throated Hermit is a solitary creature, with males establishing leks to serenade potential mates. It is a trap-liner, moving from flower to flower to sip nectar, and sometimes employs the clever tactic of piercing flower bases to access nectar. It also supplements its diet with small insects and typically forages at lower levels, rarely ascending to the canopy.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a high-pitched, squeaky tune that is monotonous yet carries well through the forest. The structure of the song varies across its range.

Breeding

Breeding behavior includes the construction of a small cup-shaped nest with a unique "tail," woven together with spiderwebs. The female alone incubates the two eggs for 15–16 days. Breeding times vary by region, with dependent fledglings observed in Ecuador as early as March.

Similar Species

The Stripe-throated Hermit may be confused with other small hermits, particularly the Little Hermit and the Grey-chinned Hermit, but can be distinguished by its unique throat pattern and size.

Diet and Feeding

Nectar is the primary diet of this hummingbird, but it also consumes small insects. It has a foraging behavior that includes both trap-lining and piercing flowers to reach otherwise inaccessible nectar.

Conservation status

The Stripe-throated Hermit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival. It is also listed in CITES Appendix II, reflecting the need for monitoring international trade.