The Tapajós hermit is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Amazon
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland rainforest associated with the Tapajós River and adjacent interfluvial forests. It frequents shaded understory along streams, forest edges, and clearings with abundant tubular flowers. The species uses both terra firme and seasonally flooded forests where nectar plants are common. It typically keeps close to the ground to mid-canopy, moving along established foraging routes. Human-altered habitats with suitable flowering plants may be used locally, but intact forest understory is preferred.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tapajós hermit is a small hummingbird of the forest understory, known for its trap-lining foraging strategy, visiting a circuit of nectar sources like Heliconia and Costus. Males often sing persistently from low perches and may display at small leks. Like other hermits, it supplements nectar with tiny arthropods for protein. Its range is tightly tied to the Tapajós River basin in the Brazilian Amazon.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with precise hovering
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary while foraging, defending nectar sources along a repeated trapline. Males may gather at small leks, where they sing and display to attract females. The nest is a small cup attached by spider silk beneath a drooping leaf or thin branch over a stream or sheltered spot.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched, rapidly repeated series of squeaky notes delivered from a low perch. Calls include sharp, metallic chips used during foraging and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Typical hermit with dusky-olive upperparts and buffy to cinnamon-washed underparts; feathers appear soft with subtle scaling on throat. Tail is graduated with contrasting pale tips on the outer feathers. A distinct pale supercilium and moustachial stripe frame a darker face.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from tubular flowers such as Heliconia and Costus, probing while hovering. It supplements its diet with small arthropods, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. The mix of nectar and insects provides essential sugars and proteins for its high metabolism.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory along forest streams, edges, and clearings with dense flowering plants. Often follows a predictable route between spaced nectar sources.
