The tawny-bellied hermit is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on humid foothill and lower montane slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Prefers evergreen forest understory, forest edges, and ravines with dense Heliconia and other nectar sources. Frequently found along shaded streams, trails, and in secondary growth adjacent to primary forest. It tolerates some disturbance but relies on continuous patches of flowering understory plants.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized hermit hummingbird forages by traplining, visiting a circuit of nectar-rich flowers such as Heliconia and other tubular blooms. Males often gather at leks where they deliver persistent, high-pitched songs to attract females. Its long, decurved bill and white-tipped tail streamers are excellent field marks in the dim forest understory. It also supplements its nectar diet with tiny arthropods for protein.
Tawny-bellied hermit in the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, Ecuador
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary while foraging, following a repeatable trapline between flowering plants. Males may form small leks where they sing and display; females alone build the nest and rear the young. Nests are small cups attached beneath broad leaves, often overhanging water or along shaded ravines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched, insect-like series of repeated notes that can carry through the understory, delivered persistently from a low perch. Calls include sharp, squeaky chips given during foraging and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Dusky olive-brown upperparts with warm tawny to buff underparts and a contrasting pale supercilium over a darker face mask. Tail shows elongated, white-tipped streamers that stand out in low light. Overall matte, earthy tones typical of hermits, with a slightly scaly look on the throat in good light.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from tubular flowers, especially Heliconia, Costus, and Gesneriads. Supplements its diet with small arthropods, which provide essential proteins and minerals. Forages methodically along a circuit, returning to the same flowering patches as they replenish. Captures tiny insects by hawking or gleaning from foliage and spiderwebs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dim forest understory, along streams, forest edges, and gaps with abundant flowering plants. Often uses shaded trails and ravines where heliconias are dense, avoiding open, exposed areas.
