Grey-chinned Hermit vs Reddish Hermit

In short

The Grey-chinned Hermit and Reddish Hermit are similar in appearance, but can be distinguished by key features. The Grey-chinned Hermit has a gray band on the central tail feathers and pointed outer primaries, while the Reddish Hermit lacks these features and has a bold black band across the breast in males.

Identification tips

1. Look for the gray band on the central tail feathers and pointed outer primaries in Grey-chinned Hermits. 2. Note the bold black band across the breast in male Reddish Hermits. 3. Observe behavior: Reddish Hermits may be seen singing in leks. 4. Consider habitat: Grey-chinned Hermits are more likely in Andean cloud forests.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small hermits.

Plumage

The Grey-chinned Hermit has a gray band on the central tail feathers and white central tail feathers that barely extend beyond the rest of the tail. In contrast, the Reddish Hermit males have a bold black band across the breast and lack the extended central tail feathers.

Behaviour

Reddish Hermit males are known to sing in leks, wiggling their tails as they sing. This behavior is not noted for the Grey-chinned Hermit.

Habitat

Grey-chinned Hermits inhabit cloud forest understory, dense secondary growth, and edges of lower slopes of the eastern Andes. Reddish Hermits are found in similar habitats but are not as specifically tied to the Andes.

Voice

Reddish Hermit males sing in leks, a behavior not specifically noted for Grey-chinned Hermits.