The dusky-throated hermit is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, where it favors dense understory in primary and well-developed secondary forests. It is commonly found along shaded ravines, streams, and in bamboo or heliconia thickets. The species also uses forest edges and overgrown clearings with abundant nectar sources. It is most frequently encountered in mature forest interiors where traplining routes can be maintained.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky-throated hermit is a traplining hummingbird that visits a circuit of flowering plants for nectar, helping pollinate many understory species. Males often display at leks with buzzing flights and vocalizations to attract females. Nests are typically small, hanging cups suspended beneath broad leaves, often over shaded streams. Its long, decurved bill is well-suited to tubular flowers of the Atlantic Forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sustained hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary and maintains trapline routes between flowering plants. Males may gather in loose leks where they sing and perform short display flights. The nest is a small suspended cup attached beneath a leaf tip, often over running water, where the female alone incubates and raises the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched, repetitive series of notes delivered from low perches in the understory. Calls include sharp tseep and buzzy chips given during foraging and territorial chases.
