The white-browed hermit is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in the Andean foothills and adjacent lowlands in Bolivia and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Central Andes foothills
Typical Environment
Occurs along the eastern Andean foothills of southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia, primarily in humid tropical forests. It favors dense understory along streams, forest edges, and clearings with abundant heliconias and ginger relatives. The species uses both primary and well-regenerated secondary forest. It is most often encountered in shaded ravines and bamboo or Heliconia thickets where nectar is plentiful.
Altitude Range
200–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-browed hermit is a small hummingbird noted for its conspicuous pale eyebrow and long, decurved bill adapted to tubular flowers. Like many hermits, it follows a trapline, visiting a regular circuit of nectar sources deep in the forest understory. It also supplements its diet with tiny insects and spiders for protein. Nests are often suspended beneath broad leaves over streams or shaded gullies.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Generally solitary away from nectar sources, defending small feeding territories within dense understory. Males often display and sing from low, shaded perches and may participate in loose leks. The nest is a small cup suspended from the underside of a broad leaf, often overhanging water for added protection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of squeaks and tsee notes delivered repetitively from a concealed perch. Calls are sharp and insect-like, carrying surprisingly well in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Dusky olive-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and slightly rufous tones on the flanks; tail feathers often tipped pale. The face shows a dark mask contrasted by a bold whitish supercilium and a thinner submoustachial stripe. Feathers appear sleek and slightly glossy in good light.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from tubular flowers, especially Heliconia, Costus, and related understory plants. It follows a trapline, visiting a predictable circuit of blossoms throughout the day. Small arthropods, including tiny insects and spiders, are gleaned from foliage or caught on short sallies to provide essential protein.
Preferred Environment
Shaded forest understory, stream edges, and clearings with dense patches of flowering heliconias. Often forages close to the ground to mid-levels where tubular blooms are concentrated.
