Stripe-throated Hermit

Identification

The stripe-throated hermit is among the smallest hermit hummingbirds, measuring just 9–10 cm in length and weighing only 2–3 grams. Despite its diminutive size, it displays distinctive field marks that aid identification. The upperparts are dull iridescent green across the wing-coverts, mantle, nape and crown, while the rump is pale rufous. The underparts are predominantly buff, with the throat and central underparts pale greyish brown—the defining feature being small dark streaks on the throat, though these are often faint and challenging to observe. A striking blackish "bandit-mask" crosses the face, bordered above by a whitish-buff supercilium and below by whitish-buff malar patches. The flight-feathers and tail are blackish, with the tail tipped in white to ochraceous depending on subspecies. Like other hermits, it sports a long, decurved bill; the lower mandible's basal half is yellow, but the rest is black. Males and females are virtually identical in plumage, though males produce a distinctive high-pitched, squeaky, and monotonous song that varies geographically across their range.

Range & Habitat

This species inhabits Central America and north-western South America, with a distribution spanning from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, extending into Colombia, Ecuador, and north-eastern Venezuela. Within this vast range, the stripe-throated hermit is generally fairly common and considered of Least Concern. The species is essentially resident throughout its range, though some local movements may occur.

The stripe-throated hermit adapts to a wide variety of wooded habitats including forest, woodland, clearings, thickets, and gardens, typically favouring humid regions but also occurring locally in drier deciduous habitats. It is primarily a lowland and foothill species, though it has exceptionally been recorded at altitudes up to 1,800 metres.

Behaviour & Diet

This hummingbird feeds on flower nectar using trap-lining behaviour, visiting flowers in established routes. It has also been observed piercing the base of flowers to access nectar otherwise out of reach, and occasionally takes small insects. Foraging typically occurs at low to mid-levels, with only occasional visits to the canopy.

Stripe-throated hermits are essentially solitary, though males congregate at leks where they sing to attract females. Breeding ecology varies by region, with females building tiny cup-shaped nests made of plant material held together by spiderwebs, complete with a characteristic dangling "tail" below. Females lay two eggs, incubate them entirely, and fledglings hatch after 15–16 days.

Best Time & Places to See It

The stripe-throated hermit's resident status means it can be encountered year-round throughout its range. However, breeding activity varies regionally—in Ecuador, for instance, dependent fledglings have been observed in early March. Since this species typically forages at low to mid-levels in wooded habitats and gardens, searchers should focus on flowering plants in forest edges, clearings, and cultivated areas rather than scanning the canopy.

Photography Tips

The tiny size and swift, hovering flight of hermit hummingbirds demand fast shutter speeds and careful positioning. Position yourself near flowering plants at low to mid-level heights where this species typically forages. The pale throat with its small dark streaks is diagnostic but subtle, so adequate light is essential to resolve these fine details. The blackish "bandit-mask" and buff supercilium provide striking contrast that photographs well when properly lit, and the decurved bill is a reliable identifying feature to capture.