Only got one shot of a Hermit, as they don't seem to perch as often as the other hummers. The Rufous-breasted Hermit is present on both islands. This one came to a feeder at Newton George's house, up the hill from Blue Water Inn on Tobago, and a good spot for the elusive White-tailed Sabrewing. Newton George, AKA "NG" is a renowned Tobago birding guide, btw, although we did not have chance to go in the field with him.
There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, and over 10% of the (35 species) are in a sub-family called Hermits (Phaethornithinae). Most of the Hermits have a decurved bill, adapted to extract nectar from certain flowers like those of Heliconias. Hermits are said to be less iridescent than the average hummer, and show less difference between male and female. As a group they tend to be restricted to tropical and semitropical forest edges and undergrowth, rather than open spaces.
The Rufous-breasted is one of only 3 species in the genus Glaucis. The genus Phaethornis includes an amazing 26 species of Hermits, including the Little Hermit and Green Hermit that our group saw at Asa Wright on Trinidad.
My gear isn't quite up to hummingbird flight shots, but still worth sharing.
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