Phaethornis

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Phaethornis
P. longirostris
P. longirostris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Subfamily: Phaethornithinae
Genus: Phaethornis
Swainson, 1827
species

see text

Phaethornis is a genus of hummingbirds in the hermit subfamily Phaethornithinae. They occur from southern Mexico, through Central America, to South America as far south as northern Argentina.

Their plumage typically involves greens, browns, rufous or grey. Most species show some green or bronze iridescence to the upperparts, but this is far less conspicious than that of many other hummingbirds. The male and female plumages of hermits are very similar, with differences limited to details of bill-shape, tail-shape and/or strength of colours/patterns. No species of hermit show the strong sexual dimorphism usually associated with hummingbirds.

Phaethornis hermits typically have a long decurved bill, although three species, P. koepkeae, P. philippii and P. bourcieri have virtually straight bills. They have a red or yellow base to the lower mandible, and their two central tail feathers are elongated and tipped with white, buff or ochraceous. The crown of the head is flat, and two pale facial stripes enclose a dusky mask.

Most Phaethornis hermits are restricted to the edge and undergrowth of forest, woodland and second growth, but some species (e.g. the Planalto Hermit) also occur in more open habitats.

Many species of hermits form leks and congregate on traditional display grounds, where females visit to choose a mate. However, male hermits are generally less aggressive than other male hummingbirds, though both sexes will defend a feeding territory.

Most hermits are associated with heliconias, but will utilize other nectar sources (flowers of Centropogon, Passiflora, Costus, etc.). To a lesser degree, they will capture small arthropods. The long, decurved bills typical of most members of this group of hummingbirds are an adaptation to certain flowers.

The taxonomy of some groups have changed significantly in recent years, especially following Hinkelmann & Schuchmann (1997), where several small hermits previously considered subspecies of Phaethornis longuemareus were split (P. idaliae, P. atrimentalis and P. striigularis), while P. longirostris was split from P. superciliosus. Further confusion exists between P. superciliosus and P. malaris: Most taxa previously consider subspecies of the former (insolitus, moorei, ochraceiventris, bolivianus and margarettae) are now consider subspecies of the latter, as per Hinkelmann (1996). A fully satisfactory taxonomic treatment of the entire P. longirostris/P. superciliosus/P. malaris group is still lacking according to some Neotropical ornithologists (see South American Classification Committee, 2005). Further confusion exists over P. maranhaoensis: Schuchmann & Hinkelmann (1999) considered it invalid, believing it was the male plumage of P. nattereri. Mallet-Rodrigues (2006) was able to show that this was mistaken, as P. maranhaoensis only occurs in the northern part of the range of P. nattereri, and the two have different voices. Molecular work also confirms the validity of P. maranhaoensis.

[edit] Species in taxonomic order

[edit] References