The grey-chinned hermit is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, northwest Brazil)
Typical Environment
Occupies humid lowland and foothill forests, especially dense understory along streams and in ravines. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and Heliconia-rich areas where tubular flowers are abundant. Often stays low to mid-understory, moving rapidly between shaded nectar sources. It tolerates some habitat disturbance if understory structure remains intact.
Altitude Range
100–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hermit hummingbird practices trap-lining, visiting a repeat circuit of nectar sources in dark forest understory. Males often sing from low, shaded perches and may form loose leks. Its gray-washed chin and throat help separate it from similar hermits. It also supplements nectar with tiny arthropods for protein.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside of leks, following a trap-line route through the understory. Males may gather loosely to sing from low perches to attract females. Nest is a small cup attached to the underside of a broad leaf or root, bound with spider silk and plant fibers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tseep or tsee notes, delivered persistently from a shaded perch. Calls are sharp and insect-like, carrying surprisingly well in dense vegetation. Males may sing for long periods during lek displays.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown upperparts with a grayish throat and chin, buffy underparts, and slightly contrasting rump. Tail is graduated with whitish tips on the outer feathers; central tail feathers slightly longer. Typical hermit facial pattern with contrasting stripes and a dusky mask.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from tubular flowers such as Heliconia, Costus, and Psychotria, obtained by hovering. It follows a regular circuit of flowering plants to maximize nectar intake. Also takes small arthropods—gnats, spiders, and tiny beetles—for protein, hawking or gleaning from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Shaded forest understory, edges, and along streams where flowering understory plants are abundant. Often forages close to the ground to mid-levels, avoiding open, exposed spaces.
