White-bearded Hermit

The White-bearded Hermit inhabits humid lowland forests of eastern Ecuador, particularly in regularly inundated areas such as river edges and várzea woodlands below 850 meters elevation. Though seldom seen due to its solitary habits and trap-line foraging style, it is locally fairly common and often detected by its high-pitched “seep” calls sung from low perches at lek sites. The species is globally listed as Least Concern, with a broad Amazonian range and adaptability to various moist habitats, though its population is believed to be slowly declining due to deforestation. Females build cone-shaped nests suspended from drooping leaves or structures near water, and breeding behavior includes elaborate male displays at communal leks.