how was the hermit's appearance?
Answers
Description
The hermits differ from most other hummingbird species in that the color of their plumage is typically brown, rufous, green and grey; and other than a slight sheen, they generally don't have the iridescent plumage of hummingbirds. Additionally, whereas male and female hummingbirds look quite different in appearance, with hermits, the physical gender differences are far less pronounced.
Most species have long, decurved bills - except the Koepcke's Hermit (Phaethornis koepckeae), Needle-billed Hermit (Phaethornis philippii) and Straight-billed Hermit (Phaethornis bourcieri), which have literally straight bills) . The Phaethornis genus hermits have a long decurved bill with a red or yellow base to the lower bill. The bill has evolved to fit perfectly into long, trumpet-shaped flowers, allowing them access to nectar that other species cannot reach.
They have two long central tail feathers, tipped with white, buff or ochre. The top of the head is flat and they have a dusky facial mask with two pale facial stripes.
Males and females look alike, with some small differences in bill or tail shape, and depth of plumage color or pattern