High in the lush rainforests that cradle our Costa Rican retreat, a fascinating creature flits amongst the leaves. The Long-billed Hermit, a hummingbird unlike any other, embodies the magic of this hidden world. With its dazzling plumage and unique feeding strategy, this tiny marvel is a true wonder to behold.

A Master of the Understory

Unlike its vibrantly colored cousins, the Long-billed Hermit boasts a more subdued elegance. Its upperparts are adorned with a mesmerizing blend of greenish-brown, while its underparts range from brownish to grayish. But the true eye-catcher is its tail. The central feathers are remarkably long, tipped with brilliant white, creating a dazzling contrast against the darker tones. But these aren’t just for show. The Long-billed Hermit inhabits the shady forest understory, where sunlight struggles to penetrate. Its long tail feathers help it navigate this dense foliage with ease, acting as a rudder while it darts between flowers and branches.

The Art of Traplining

While many hummingbirds fiercely defend their feeding territories, the Long-billed Hermit employs a different tactic. It practices a method known as traplining, zipping between widely scattered patches of flowers. This remarkable strategy allows it to efficiently exploit a larger area, ensuring a consistent supply of nectar, its primary food source. As it flits from flower to flower, the Long-billed Hermit hovers briefly, its long, decurved bill perfectly adapted for reaching deep into blossoms. With an explosive squeak, it darts off to the next floral treasure, a tireless acrobat of the rainforest.

A Song Unheard

The Long-billed Hermit’s beauty isn’t limited to its visual splendor. Unlike many hummingbirds with their high-pitched chirps, this little hermit possesses a more subdued vocalization. Its call is a simple, yet intriguing, single squeak, often emitted as it zips between foraging spots. Males, however, do engage in a fascinating display. They perch low in the understory, pumping their tails rhythmically while delivering a long series of squeaks, a serenade designed to attract mates.

A Sight to Behold at Our Retreat

The Long-billed Hermit is a resident of the humid tropical lowlands, making our mountain retreat in Costa Rica a prime location for spotting this captivating creature. As you venture along our nature trails, keep your eyes peeled for flashes of green and brown flitting amongst the leaves. With a little patience, you might just catch a glimpse of this remarkable hummingbird, its long, white-tipped tail feathers trailing behind it as it embarks on its next floral adventure.

The Long-billed Hermit is a true testament to the wonders that await in the Costa Rican rainforests. With its unique beauty, fascinating behavior, and captivating song (albeit a subtle one!), this tiny gem is sure to leave a lasting impression on any nature enthusiast.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica