Fun Green Hermit Facts For Kids

There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds in the world. Green hermit hummingbirds are birds of the same family. The green hermit (Phaethornis guy) is a species native to southern Central America and south to northern South America. The habitat range constitutes hilly areas and forest undergrowth. They belong to the Trochilidae family, genus Phaethornis, and class Aves.

They are popularly called the guy's hermit and known for their long decurved bill which they use to suck out nectar from flowers. The green hermit (Phaethornis guy) is an omnivore and feeds on flower nectar as well as insects. The green hermit is a small to medium-sized bird with buff stripes. It is distinctly unique in its coloration including its dark mask and white-tipped tail. Green hermit hummingbirds are regular visitors near birdwatching sites where they installed hummingbird feeders to attract them.

For more relatable content, check out yellow-billed cuckoo facts and rufous hummingbird facts.

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What type of animal is a green hermit?

The green hermit bird is an animal that belongs to the kingdom Animalia and is seen mostly in Costa Rica, eastern Peru, Panama, Trinidad, and Venezuela.

What class of animal does a green hermit belong to?

The green hermit is a type of bird that belongs to the class Aves, Trochilidae family, genus Phaethornis, and its scientific name is Phaethornis guy.

How many green hermits are there in the world?

The green hermit (Phaethornis guy) exact population in the world is not evaluated. Green hermits are considered as Least Concern species by the IUCN red list.

Where does a green hermit live?

The green hermit (Phaethornis guy) lives in the woods. These birds are seen near birdwatching sites where hummingbird feeders are installed. These species are seen in regions including Costa Rica, eastern Peru, Panama, Trinidad, and Venezuela mostly in the range of southern Central America and south to northern South America

What is a green hermit's habitat?

The green hermit bird habitat constitutes hilly areas and forest undergrowth. It resides in regions where it can easily access food and live peacefully. It is migratory but doesn't fly in groups. It doesn't form groups with other members of its family.  

Who do green hermits live with?

Green hermits are similar to other species of hummingbirds they are mostly solitary beings and rarely seen in groups. They coexist with other wild species and their instant response to any form of threat is their flight instinct.

How long does a green hermit live?

The green hermit's exact lifespan is not known. Hummingbirds are known to live up to five years. The oldest hummingbird was 12 years and two months who was a broad-tailed hummingbird.

How do they reproduce?

Males and females are polygynous. Males court females by flying in a U-shaped pattern. Post-mating they separate from the female immediately. The exact breeding period is not known. Breeding may occur multiple times throughout their lifetime. Females are solely responsible for building their nests and raising the chicks.

Females build nests using plant fibers that are woven together in a protected location. Once the nest is built the female lays one white egg per clutch.  The incubation period lasts 17-18 days. Males only defend their territory. The nestlings are born blind at birth and without any feathers. Females feed their young using their bill which makes food reach directly into their stomach.

What is their conservation status?

The green hermit is classified as a Least Concern species by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature IUCN red list of threatened species.

What do green hermits look like?

The green hermit male is dark green with a blue-green rump. The male has a dark mask through the eye with buff stripes below and above the center of the throat. The central feathers of their tail are white-tipped. Females are relatively similar in appearance but duller in coloration. Females have longer beaks and tails as compared to males. They are distinguished from other hummingbird species primarily due to their red beak.

How cute are they?

Green hermits are extremely cute and adorable species their distinct coloration and features make these birds a unique species in themselves. They are a must-see for every birdwatcher enthusiast.

How do they communicate?

Green hermits are similar to other species of hummingbirds communicates using chittering and through other vocalizations. Males engage in mating displays where they compete with other males. They fly toward each other to chase the other one out of the way.

How big is a green hermit?

The green hermit is 5.31 in (13.5 cm) in length which is more than two times bigger than the smallest bird in the world which is the bee hummingbird and measures 2.1-2.4 in (5.5-6.1 cm). Bee hummingbirds belong to the same family as the green hermit.

How fast can a green hermit fly?

The green hermit's exact flying speed is not known but most species of hummingbirds are known to flap their wings repetitively multiple times. The slowest flying bird in the world is the American woodcock it can move at 5 mph (8 kph).

How much does a green hermit weigh?

The green hermit weighs 0.013 lb (6.3 g). The heaviest bird in the world is the ostrich and weighs 200-280 lb (90.7-127 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male and female hummingbirds are not addressed differently however, they differ in appearance and coloration. Males are more brightly colored as compared to females. Females have a longer bill as compared to males.

What would you call a baby green hermit?

A baby green hermit can be referred to as a nestling or as a juvenile. Baby hermits are born blind and featherless at birth and depend on their parents. Juveniles are fed by their mothers.  

What do they eat?

Green hermit birds are primarily omnivores. Adult birds feed on nectar from brightly colored flowers, trees, herbs, or shrubs. They are also known to feed on pollinating plants and insects including hawk moths, spiders, and bumblebees.

Are they dangerous?

No, these species are not dangerous in any way. These birds are seldom seen near human settlements unless hummingbird feeders are installed and you live in a region native to these species like Peru, Costa Rica, or Venezuela.

Would they make a good pet?

No, hummingbirds cannot be kept as pets. They don't survive long when held in captivity hence it's best to find them in their natural habitat. You could visit these birds in birdwatching sites native to these species.

Did you know...

Peru is home to 124 of the more than 300 species of hummingbirds in the world. These 124 birds only inhabit Peru and not any other regions in the world.  

Hummingbirds lack a good sense of smell hence they go toward flowers that are brightly colored to feed on. These birds prefer orange or red flowers to procure nectar.

What sounds do green hermits make?

Green hermits make chittering and vocalizations. They communicate via various sounds. They are territorial beings and males are known to fight other males in order to protect their territory. Males also engage in mating displays where they compete with other males. Their sound is mostly a loud note and can be heard distinctly through in their natural habitats.

Naming the green hermit

Green hermit hummingbirds are also known as guy's hermit. They get their name owing to their color and appearance which is green overall. They have a red-colored bill that is pointed and a unique identifying feature. The name hummingbird comes from the humming noise these birds make when they beat their wings at such great speeds.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our hummingbird facts and ivory-billed woodpecker facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our Green Hermit coloring pages.