Streak-throated Hermit
Common name: Streak-throated Hermit
Scientific name: Phaethornis rupurumii
Clades: Phaethornithinae - Hermits
A subtle and slender hummingbird of riverine forests and savanna edges, the Streak-throated Hermit is found across northeastern South America, including Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil. It typically inhabits lowland forests near streams and seasonally flooded areas. This small hermit measures 10 to 11 cm (3.9 to 4.3 in) and weighs about 3.5 to 4.5 grams (0.12 to 0.16 oz).
Male Description:
The male has bronzy-green upperparts and grayish underparts with a distinctive feature: fine dark streaks on the throat, which give the species its name. He also displays a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) and dark cheek stripe — typical of hermits. The tail is dark with white tips on the outer feathers, and the bill is long and slightly decurved, perfectly adapted for traplining nectar feeding.
Female Description:
Females closely resemble males but often show paler underparts and slightly less distinct throat streaking. Their bill tends to be a bit longer and more strongly decurved, which is common in female hermits. Despite these subtle differences, they share the same overall appearance and graceful foraging behavior.
Habitat & Behavior:
This species favors humid lowland and riverine forests, as well as forest edges and savannas with flowering shrubs. It follows traplining routes, visiting a series of flowers and often feeding near ground level or mid-story. Though not globally threatened, the Streak-throated Hermit is reliant on healthy, undisturbed forests and riparian corridors.
2 subspecies:
P. r. rupurumii
Distribution extreme E Colombia (E Vichada) through C and E Venezuela and W Guyana to adjacent N Brazil (Roraima).P. r. amazonicus
Distribution along lower R Amazon (E from lower R Negro) in NC Brazil.
Checkout Anthony’s playlist of this species! Click the top right dropdown to see all the videos.