| Hermit (hummingbird) |
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The Hermits are tropical Hummingbird s in the subfamily ''Phaethornithinae'', comprising about 34 species in six genera. Their plumage typically involves greens, browns, rufous or grey. They lack the iridescent plumage of many other hummingbird species, and the male and female plumages of hermits are often very similar, only a few species showing the strong Sexual Dimorphism usually associated with hummingbirds. Hermits in the main genus, ''Phaethornis'', have a long decurved bill with a red or yellow base to the lower mandible, and their two central tail feathers are elongated and tipped with white. The crown of the head is flat, and two pale facial stripes enclose a dusky mask. Hermits usually form Leks and congregate on traditional display grounds, where females visit to choose a mate. However, male hermits are less aggressively territorial than other male hummingbirds. Hermits are closely associated with Heliconia s. The flowers are an important food source accessible to the long decurved bill typical of this group of forest Hummingbird s. Many species, including the Rufous-breasted Hermit , also use the plant for nesting, attaching their conical nest to the underside of one of the plant’s broad leaves. SPECIES
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