The minute hermit (Phaethornis idaliae) is a tiny species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is endemic to Brazil.[3]
| Minute hermit | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Clade: | Strisores |
| Order: | Apodiformes |
| Family: | Trochilidae |
| Genus: | Phaethornis |
| Species: | P. idaliae
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| Binomial name | |
| Phaethornis idaliae | |
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Taxonomy and systematics
editThe minute hermit was for a time considered conspecific with the little hermit (P. longuemareus) and now is treated with it as a superspecies.[4] It is monotypic.[3]
Description
editThe minute hermit is one of the world's smallest birds.[5] It is 8.4 to 9.2 cm (3.31 to 3.62 in) long and weighs 1.8 to 2.7 g (0.06 to 0.10 oz). The male has dark iridescent green upperparts and a dark brown throat. The female's underparts are reddish orange. Both sexes have a black "mask" and a pale supercilium and malar stripe.[6]
Distribution and habitat
editThe minute hermit is found in southeastern Brazil from approximately Bahia south to Rio de Janeiro state. It inhabits the understory of primary or lightly disturbed forest including their edges, and also mature secondary forest and forested islands. It has been recorded in Eucalyptus plantations near its preferred habitat. In elevation it ranges from sea level to 500 m (1,640 ft).[6]
Behavior
editMovement
editThe minute hermit is assumed to be sedentary.[6]
Feeding
editThe minute hermit is a "trap-line" feeder like other hermit hummingbirds, visiting a circuit of flowering plants for nectar. It also consumes small arthropods.[6]
Breeding
editThe minute hermit's breeding season spans from October to February. Males display to females at leks. Its nest is an open cup suspended from the underside of a drooping leaf. The clutch of two eggs is incubated solely by the female.[6]
Vocalization
editThe minute hermit's song is "a high-pitched note repeated 3–4 times, followed by an accelerated descending warble" sung from a low perch.[6]
Status
editThe IUCN has assessed the minute hermit as being of Least Concern, though its population size is unknown and believed to be decreasing.[1] It has a very restricted range in the Atlantic Forest, a habitat that has almost entirely been deforested. It does occur in a few protected areas.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b BirdLife International. (2018). "Phaethornis idaliae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22687010A130117234. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22687010A130117234.en. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ a b Gill, F.; Donsker, D.; Rasmussen, P. (July 2021). "IOC World Bird List (v 11.2)". Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ Remsen, J. V., Jr.; J. I. Areta; E. Bonaccorso; S. Claramunt; A. Jaramillo; D. F. Lane; J. F. Pacheco; M. B. Robbins; F. G. Stiles; K. J. Zimmer (24 August 2021). "A classification of the bird species of South America". American Ornithological Society. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Wood, Gerald L. (1983). The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. Sterling Pub Co Inc. ISBN 978-0-85112-235-9.
- ^ a b c d e f g Hinkelmann, C.; G. M. Kirwan; P. F. D. Boesman (2020). "Minute Hermit (Phaethornis idaliae)". In J. del Hoyo; A. Elliott; J. Sargatal; D. A. Christie; E. de Juana (eds.). Birds of the World. 1.0. Ithaca, NY, USA: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. doi:10.2173/bow.minher1.01.