The scale-throated hermit is a species in the hummingbird family Trochilidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, extending into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (e.g., Misiones). It favors humid evergreen forest, tall secondary growth, and shady ravines with abundant understory flowers. Often near streams and in bamboo thickets, but generally keeps to dense interior foliage. Uses forest edges and clearings to forage when flowering plants are abundant. Locally common where habitat persists but sensitive to extensive deforestation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The scale-throated hermit is a traplining hummingbird, visiting a circuit of flowering plants rather than defending a single feeder. Its throat shows a distinctive scaled look created by pale feather edges over darker centers. Males typically sing from leks in shaded forest, while females alone build and tend the nest. Like other hummingbirds, it supplements nectar with tiny arthropods for protein.
Temperament
secretive and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary while foraging along traplines. Males may gather in loose leks where each sings from low perches to attract females. Nests are small pendant cups attached to drooping leaves or fibers, often over trails or near streams. The female alone incubates and feeds the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched, thin, repetitive series of notes delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp chips and squeaky twitters given while foraging or interacting at flowers.
Plumage
Olive-brown to olive-green upperparts with buffy underparts; throat shows fine pale edging on darker feathers creating a scaled appearance. Long, decurved bill and elongated central tail feathers typical of hermits. Under tail coverts often rufous-buff; overall plumage soft and slightly mottled.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from tubular flowers such as Heliconia, bromeliads, and other understory plants. Follows a regular route (trapline) to visit widely spaced blooms. Also hawks or gleans tiny insects and spiders to meet protein and mineral needs. Will occasionally visit forest edge flowers when seasonally abundant.
Preferred Environment
Shady forest understory, along streams, and in ravines where nectar sources are concentrated. Uses edges and clearings early or late in the day but retreats to denser cover during peak heat.
