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
Phaethornis striigularis
Stripe-throated Hermit
Gould, 1854
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very small, primarily brownish-grey hummingbird with a long, strongly decurved bill. It is characterized by faint, dusky streaks on its pale throat, a dark mask through the eyes bordered by buffy stripes, and a rounded tail with pale ochreous tips on the feathers.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.Phaethornis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Gould, 1854
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 the dense understory of humid lowland forests, high secondary growth, semi-open woodlands, plantations, and shrubby forest edges. It thrives in shaded, tangled vegetation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A strict trap-line feeder, traveling fixed circuits over long distances daily to harvest nectar from low-density flowering herbs. They are highly active and rarely stay at a flower for more than a few seconds.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary when feeding. However, during the breeding cycle, males aggregate in small 'leks' (communal display grounds) in the understory, where they sing persistent, high-pitched squeaks while continuously wagging their tails to attract females.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 (understory specialist).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds primarily on nectar from understory families like Heliconiaceae, Marantaceae, and Rubiaceae. They supplement carbohydrate intake by gleaning spiders and small soft-bodied insects from cobwebs or leaves.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The female alone performs all nesting duties. She constructs a sophisticated cone-shaped cup nest out of plant down, moss, and spider webs, cleverly suspended underneath the tip of a long, overarching leaf, protecting it completely from overhead rain.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
8.5 - 10.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 3 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 - 17
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its sharply decurved bill is expertly shaped to access nectar from curved tubular flowers such as Heliconias, Acanthaceae, and Gesneriaceae.
Evolved high aerial maneuverability to fly quickly through extremely dense, cluttered forest undergrowth while avoiding predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of dense forest understory due to conversion of forests into pastures, urban expanding, and intensive agricultural monocultures.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike typical brilliant hummingbirds, hermits possess duller camouflage plumage to remain unseen by predators in the dark forest floor shadows where they spend their entire lives.