AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Glaucis aeneus
Bronzy Hermit
Lawrence, 1868
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, chunky understory hummingbird distinguished by its prominent bronzy-green or coppery upperparts and completely rufous-ochre underparts. It features a long, slightly decurved bill with a yellow lower mandible and a rounded tail with white-tipped feathers.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Apodiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Trochilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Glaucis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lawrence, 1868
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits thickets, swampy forest edges, stream banks, secondary growth, and semi-open wet lowlands. It is heavily associated with dense patches of wild Heliconia plants in humid tropical zones.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An active understory trap-liner. It flies low through thickets, checking specific Heliconia flowers on a precise daily route, rarely vocalizing or making itself obvious while feeding.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and non-territorial. Instead of fighting with dominant hummingbirds over resources, it relies on speed, camouflage, and its extensive knowledge of scattered understory flower paths.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Diurnal nectarivore and insectivore (Heliconia specialist).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Mainly relies on the nectar of Heliconiaceae, but also visits Costaceae and Gesneriaceae. It heavily supplements its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from underneath large tropical leaves.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The female constructs a long, loose, hammock-like nest woven from rootlets, plant fibers, and cobwebs, typically attached to the underside of a Heliconia or palm leaf. She handles incubation and chick rearing completely independently.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 11.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
5 g - 7 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
15 - 18
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 6 Years
Females3 - 6 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its long and stout bill is specifically adapted to feed from and effectively pollinate the heavily curved flowers of Heliconias.
Possesses unique serrations near the tip of the bill, aiding in gripping small, active insects and extracting them from tightly rolled leaves.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of riparian zones and wetlands due to agricultural runoff, river channelization, and clearing for cattle pastures.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They practice an ingenious engineering method for nesting, utilizing spider webs to literally sew and bind their nest basket to the protected, shady underside of a hanging Heliconia leaf.