The New Neotropical Companion

has two long central tail feathers with bare shafts but
feathered tips, somewhat like those of a motmot. The
Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella; plate 15- 38), a rain forest
species from northeastern Amazonia, often found along
watercourses, is one of the most colorful examples of
a very colorful group. The Rufous- crested Coquette
(Lophornis delattrei; plate 15- 39), another standout, is
one of several species of very small hummingbirds.
Though most hummingbirds are brilliantly colored,
not all are. The subfamily Phaethornithinae includes

the 34 hermit and barbthroat species, some of the

commonest hummingbirds of lowland forests. Most are

greenish brown with grayish or rufous breasts. Unlike

most hummingbirds, in which males are brighter than

females, hermits have similar sexes. All hermits have

a black line bordered by white through the eyes and

a long, often down- curved bill (plate 15- 40). Hermits

inhabit the forest understory and edge, and their

more subdued plumage seems to fit well with the dark

forest interior. Male Long- tailed Hermits (Phaethornis

Plate 15- 41. This Booted Racket -tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) has

come to a feeder at a lodge in Ecuador. Photo by John Kricher.

Plate 15- 43. This Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis)

was attracted to clusters of hummingbird feeders situated

at various places along a mountainside trail near Quito,

Ecuador. Placement of such feeders makes it much easier to

obtain good views of montane hummingbirds and, of course,

supplies nutrition to the birds. Photo by John Kricher.

Plate 15- 42. Even the spectacular Sword- billed Hummingbird

is commonly attracted to feeders. Photo by Gina Nichol.

Plate 15- 40. Long- billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris).

Photo by James Adams.

278 chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd