The Mexican hermit is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Pacific slope of Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific lowlands and foothills, especially in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, shaded ravines, and riparian corridors. It frequents forest edges, second growth, and traditional shade-coffee farms where nectar sources are abundant. The species typically keeps to dense understory and midstory strata, moving along stream gullies rich in flowering plants. It may visit gardens with suitable tubular flowers in its range.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mexican hermit is a hummingbird specialized for feeding at tubular flowers with its long, decurved bill. Males often sing from low perches in leks, producing persistent, repetitive notes. It favors shaded ravines and humid forest edges along Mexico’s Pacific slope and will also use traditional shade-coffee plantations. Its nests are typically suspended under drooping leaves near streams.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Males often display and sing in loose leks, defending small display perches or nectar resources. Nests are small cup-like structures suspended under drooping leaves, often near running water. Pairs are not strongly bonded outside of breeding, and females alone handle incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a persistent series of sharp, metallic notes delivered from a low perch, repeated at steady intervals. Calls include thin, high-pitched chips and buzzy squeaks during feeding or aggressive interactions.
Plumage
Dusky olive-brown upperparts with rufous-cinnamon wash on the underparts and flanks; long decurved bill. Prominent pale supercilium and malar stripe frame a darker facial mask. Tail shows contrasting white tips on the outer rectrices, with darker central feathers.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from tubular flowers, including heliconias, gingers, and flowering shrubs. It supplements nectar with small arthropods captured in flight or gleaned from foliage to obtain protein. The long, decurved bill and extendable tongue allow efficient nectar extraction, while insect prey supports breeding and molt.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the shaded understory and along streamside thickets where flowers are concentrated. Also exploits forest edges and shade-coffee plantations with continuous blooms. Will defend rich nectar patches against other hummingbirds.
