Long-tailed Hermit

The taxonomic history of this group is complicated, with similar hermit populations from both sides of the Andes being originally classed as a single Long-tailed Hermit species. The western population was then split as the Western Long-tailed Hermit, P. longirostris, leading to the renaming of P. superciliosus as Eastern Long-tailed Hermit. The further renaming of P. longirostris as Long-billed Hermit means that P. superciliosus no longer needs “eastern” in its English name.

The Long-tailed Hermit is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Long-tailed Hermit (Phaethornis superciliosus) is a large hummingbird that is a resident breeder in Venezuela, the Guianas, and north-eastern Brazil. This species is commonly referred to as the Eastern Long-tailed Hermit, but it is likely, following recommendations from Gary Stiles in February 2006, that the new name will be adopted by most authorities. More

The bill of the Long-tailed Hermits is 3.5 cm, almost one-third its body length, and its long tail feathers are half as long as the rest of its body. Other hermits can also be found to have this distinct bill and long tail feathers. Compared to other hummingbirds, the Long-tailed has unremarkable plumage, but is by no means ugly. More

The adult Long-tailed Hermit is mainly dull brownish green above with a buff rump. It has a dark mask through the eye, bordered above and below with buff stripes. The underparts are greyish buff in colour. The sexes are similar, although the female is slightly smaller. During the breeding season, male Long-tailed Hermits sing in communal leks of up to several dozen birds, and also wiggle their long tails in display. More

Long-tailed Hermit (Phaethornis superciliosus) Spanish name: Ermitano Colilargo, Gorrion Where to observe? = Turrialba Volcano National Park Aviarios del Caribe Corcovado National Park La Selva Biological Station E.A.R.T.H. More

Long-tailed Hermit (Phaethornis superciliosus) is a large hummingbird that is a resident breeder in Venezuela, the Guianas, and north-eastern Brazil. The Long-tailed Hermit inhabits forest undergrowth, usually near water and its preferred food plants. It is 13.5 cm long and weighs 4-6 g. The bill is very long and decurved (3.6-4.3 cm), with a red tipped black lower mandible, and the central feathers of the tapered tail are long (6.3-6.8 cm) and white-tipped. More

the long-tailed hermit hummingbird has a dark bronzy-brown crown (head) and body with a lighter chest and underside. The female has a smaller wingspan than the male. Habitat and range: Found in the lowland edges of tropical forests, especially along streams, the P. superciliosus ranges from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America. FYI: The long-tailed hermit may fasten its nest from a hanging palm leaf. More

The female Long-tailed Hermit is solely responsible for nest construction, incubation and feeding the young. She lays two white eggs in a conical nest of fibres and cobwebs suspended under a large Heliconia or banana leaf. The food of this species is nectar, taken from large flowers, such as Heliconias, gingers and passion flowers, and small insects and spiders taken as an essential source of protein. Hatchlings are fed by the female with regurgitated invertebrates. More

Western Long-tailed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris) - 3 photos 1 Canopy Tower Lodge, Panama. December 2000. 2 Canopy Tower Lodge, Panama. December 2000. 3 Canopy Tower Lodge, Panama. December 2000. More

Long-tailed Hermit in Profile = Long-tailed Hermit in Profile by Rikk Flohr.A Long-tailed Hermit hovers in profile. Background driven to darkness by Shutter Speed/ISO and bird illuminated with Aperture and Flash. 1/160th at F8 ISO 200 Canon 5DMKII 70-200F2.8LIS Flash on 1/8 power To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player. More

Long-tailed Hermit (Phaethornis superciliosus), Costa Rica - This Web-Site is designed and owned by Discovery Travel World, S.A., P.O. Box 497- 6150, Santa Ana, San Jos More