Bronzy Hermit

The Bronzy Hermit is a widespread hummingbird in Ecuador, occurring from the coastal lowlands and foothills up to about 1,200 m, especially in humid forests and forest edges. It is most often encountered singly, moving deliberately through the understory as it forages for nectar from heliconias and other tubular flowers, while also taking small insects. The species is considered fairly common and adaptable, and despite localized habitat loss, it is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its long decurved bill and slow, hovering flight make it a distinctive understory specialist within Ecuador’s diverse hummingbird assemblage.