Green Hermit Hummingbird
The Green Hermit Hummingbird is one of the larger hummingbird species found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Known for its long, curved bill and vibrant metallic colors, this species is often seen zipping through dense vegetation as it forages for nectar. Costa Rica is home to a significant population of Green…
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Scientific Name
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Family
Apodiformes
Order
Range and Habitat
Geographic Range
The Green Hermit Hummingbird is widely distributed across the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, Panama, and the northern regions of South America.
Migratory Patterns
The Green Hermit Hummingbird is considered a resident species, meaning it does not undertake long migrations. However, some local movements may occur in response to changes in food availability or seasonal flowering patterns. In Costa Rica, individuals may shift between different elevations and areas based on the abundance of nectar-rich plants.
Preferred Habitat
The Green Hermit favors the understory and edges of primary and secondary forests, often in moist, dense vegetation.
In Costa Rica, it is primarily found in the Caribbean slope and lowland rainforests, although it can also be seen in montane forests and foothills.
Altitude Range
Can be found in habitats to 1,800 meters in elevation.
Costa Rica Habitat
Specific locations in Costa Rica where the Green Hermit is commonly found include:
- Braulio Carrillo National Park: One of the most biodiverse areas in the country, with a variety of hummingbird species.
- La Selva Biological Station: An important birding destination, particularly for lowland rainforest species.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: While primarily a lowland bird, it can also be spotted in higher elevation areas like Monteverde.
- Arenal Volcano Region: This species enjoys the dense volcanic foothills and the mid-elevation vegetation.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
The Green Hermit is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, and its populations are considered stable.
Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion poses a threat to its rainforest habitat, particularly in lowland areas.
Conservation efforts
In Costa Rica, conservation efforts focused on protecting primary rainforest habitats, such as within national parks and biological reserves, have helped to ensure the species' continued survival.
Primary Threats
Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion poses a threat to its rainforest habitat, particularly in lowland areas.
Identification
Green Hermit Hummingbird
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM)
Size
Approximately 15 cm (6 in) in length and weighing around 6 to 8 grams.
Plumage
A combination of iridescent green on the back and metallic blue-green on the throat, with a bronze-colored tail. Its long, white-tipped central tail feathers are also a characteristic feature.
Distinctive Features
Long, curved bill adapted for feeding on tubular flowers. The bill is black with an orange lower mandible.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males and females are similar in size, but females tend to have slightly duller plumage and less pronounced tail streamers.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- The Green Hermit Hummingbird’s diet is primarily composed of nectar from a wide variety of flowers, particularly tubular-shaped blossoms. It is a key pollinator for many tropical plants. Key dietary sources include: Heliconia: A favorite food source due to its long, tubular flowers that match the shape of the bird's bill. Passion Flowers and gingers: Also important sources of nectar. Insects: In addition to nectar, the Green Hermit supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, providing it with the necessary protein for energy and growth.
Foraging Techniques
- The Green Hermit is known for its “trap-lining” feeding behavior, where it follows a regular, predictable route through the forest to visit specific flowers.
Feeding Times
Behavior Patterns
Green Hermit Hummingbird
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Social Structure
The Green Hermit displays some unique behaviors:
- Trap-lining: Unlike other hummingbirds that defend specific flower patches, Green Hermits follow a circuitous route, visiting individual flowers across a wide area. This allows them to avoid direct competition with other nectar feeders.
- Flight: The Green Hermit has a powerful, direct flight pattern and is capable of sustained hovering while feeding.
Song and Vocalization
The Green Hermit Hummingbird’s vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chirps and rapid “tsee-tsee” sounds. Males are especially vocal during the breeding season, using their calls to attract mates at lek sites. Their calls can often be heard echoing through the rainforest canopy.
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Males perform dramatic display flights at communal lekking sites to attract females. These displays often include hovering in front of a perched female and showing off their long, central tail feathers.
Territoriality
The Green Hermit Hummingbird is a solitary and territorial bird, known for its aggressive defense of feeding territories.
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations
Some of the best spots to observe these birds in Costa Rica include:
- La Selva Biological Station: A hotspot for birdwatchers, where Green Hermits are commonly spotted along forest trails.
- Arenal Volcano National Park: Known for its diverse birdlife, the lower slopes of Arenal provide ample chances to see the Green Hermit.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: While more associated with higher elevations, this reserve still offers opportunities to see the Green Hermit, particularly near flowering plants along forest edges.
Best Time of the Year
As this species is widespread throughout the country, it can be seen in many different regions of Costa Rica. Birdwatching is excellent year round in Costa Rica. The Green Hermit, being a resident, can be observed year-round.
Common Behavior
- Look for flowering plants: The Green Hermit is often seen hovering near tubular flowers like heliconias and passion flowers.
- Listen for their sharp calls: Their high-pitched vocalizations can help locate them in dense rainforest.
- Be patient at lekking sites: During the breeding season, males gather at lekking sites, where they perform courtship displays for females, offering a unique bird watching experience.
Recommended Gear
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
Green Hermits typically breed during the wet season, from May to October in Costa Rica.
Nesting Sites
The female builds a cup-shaped nest from plant fibers, moss, and spider webs, often suspending it from the underside of large leaves, such as those of banana plants or heliconias.
Clutch Size
Usually two small, white eggs.
Incubation Period
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Parental Care
They are solitary nesters, with females solely responsible for building the nest and raising the young. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for approximately 20–24 days before fledging.
Did You Know?
Lek Behavior
Males gather in small communal lekking sites to perform elaborate displays for females. These lek sites can attract several males and provide birdwatchers with an exciting opportunity to witness their courtship rituals.
Specialized Feeding
The Green Hermit’s long, curved bill is perfectly adapted for feeding on tubular flowers that other hummingbirds cannot access, making it a key pollinator for many rainforest plants.
Trap-Lining Strategy
This efficient feeding behavior, where the bird follows a set route between scattered flowers, allows it to cover more ground than territorial hummingbirds.
You’ll know they’re there
Green Hermits have one of the loudest Hummingbird songs in the forest. Their song has been described as a “loud barking note”. They repeat the call in regular intervals. It’s easy to find them in the forest due to their loud calls.
Size matters
Unlike many Hummingbird species, the Green Hermit seeks out larger flowers to feed upon. They love a Bird of Paradise or Heliconia.
Power in numbers
Researchers have documented the male display lek with over twenty individuals! It’s quite a display with tails spread, rapid fanning, and loud songs.