Rufous-breasted Hermit
Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsutus)
Name Origin:
The genus Glaucis comes from the Greek glaukos, meaning “bluish-gray” or “gleaming.” The species name hirsutus is Latin for “hairy” or “bristly,” likely referencing its subtle facial bristles.
Quick Facts
🪶 Length: 10–12 cm (3.9–4.7 in)
⚖️ Weight: ~4.0–6.0 g (0.14–0.21 oz)
🌎 Range: Central America, the Andes, Trinidad and Tobago, and much of northern South America
🧭 Elevation: Sea level to 1,200 m
🌸 Diet: Nectar and small insects
🏡 Habitat: Lowland rainforest, forest edge, plantations, and gardens
🧬 Clade: Phaethornithinae (a.k.a. “hermits”)
📊 Status: Least Concern (IUCN 2024)
Subspecies & Distribution
Two subspecies:
Glaucis hirsutus insularum
Distribution: Grenada, Trinidad and TobagoGlaucis hirsutus hirsutus
Distribution: Central Panama to western Colombia, east of the Andes south to central Bolivia, and widely across Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern, western, and eastern Brazil
Species Overview
The Rufous-breasted Hermit is a widespread and adaptable hermit species, easily recognized by its rich rufous underparts and prominent white facial stripe. It frequents the understory of lowland tropical forests and edge habitats, often seen hovering at Heliconia flowers or quickly darting through vegetation. Known for its traplining behavior, this species regularly returns to specific feeding routes.
Male Description:
Bronzy olive upperparts, deep rufous breast and belly, pale throat with strong white facial stripe bordered by a dark cheek. Long decurved black bill, slightly heavier than most hermits. Outer tail feathers often show pale tips.
Female Description:
Similar to male but with a slightly shorter bill and paler underparts. Sexes are similar overall.
Habitat & Behavior:
Inhabits humid lowland rainforest, second growth, and cultivated areas. Forages using trapline behavior, visiting a rotating circuit of flowers. Frequently perches in the open and makes a sharp, buzzy call. Males may perform short display flights during courtship, often calling while hovering.
Conservation Note:
This species is common and widespread, benefitting from its tolerance of degraded habitats and gardens. It remains stable across much of its range and is frequently recorded at low elevations in reserves and rural areas. No major conservation concerns exist at this time.
Below is the Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsutus hirsutus)
Photographed at Waqanki/Quebrada Mishquiyaquillo, San Martín, Peru and Hummingbirds Tayrona, Magdalena, Colombia
These individuals belong to the subspecies hirsutus, which ranges across much of tropical South America including east of the Andes in Peru and northern Colombia. This form shows warm rufous underparts, bold facial markings, and a long decurved bill. It occupies lowland rainforest and adjacent second growth, typically foraging in shady areas or dense vegetation.
taken in Peru
Below is the Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsutus insularum)
Photographed at Cuffie River Nature Retreat and Cafe Mariposa Gardens, Trinidad and Tobago
These individuals belong to the subspecies insularum, which is restricted to the islands of Trinidad, Tobago, and Grenada. This form is very similar in appearance to mainland hirsutus but may show slightly more muted tones and smaller size on average. It inhabits forest edges, plantations, and humid gardens, often returning to favored feeding sites along known routes.
