Phaethornis
Description and ecology. Their plumage typically involves greens, browns, rufous or grey. Most species show some green or bronze iridescence to the upperparts, but this is far less conspicuous than that of many other hummingbirds. The male and female plumages of hermits are very similar, with differences limited to details of bill-shape, tail-shape and/or strength of colours/patterns. No species of hermit show the strong sexual dimorphism usually associated with hummingbirds. "Phaethornis" hermits typically have a long decurved bill, although three species, "P. koepkeae", "P. philippii" and "P. bourcieri" have virtually straight bills. They have a red  or yellow base to the lower mandible, and their two central tail feathers are elongated and tipped with white, buff or ochraceous. The crown of the head is flat, and two pale facial stripes enclose a dusky mask. Most " Phaethornis " hermits are restricted to the edge and undergrowth of forest, woodland and second growth, but some species (e.g. "P. pretrei") also occur in more open habitats. Many species of hermits form leks and congregate on traditional display grounds, where females visit to choose a mate. However, male hermits are generally less aggressive than other male hummingbirds, though both sexes will  defend a feeding territory. Most hermits are associated with heliconias, but will utilize other nectar sources like flowers of "Centropogon", "Passiflora", "Costus", etc. To a lesser degree, they will capture small arthropods. The long, decurved bills typical of most members of this group of hummingbirds are an adaptation to certain flowers. Taxonomy. The genus "Phaethornis" was introduced in 1827 by William Swainson with the long-tailed hermit as the type species. The name combines the Ancient Greek "phaethōn" meaning "sun" and "ornis" meaning "bird". The genus now contains 27 species. The taxonomy of some groups have changed significantly in recent  years, especially following the split of several small hermits ("P. idaliae", "P. atrimentalis" and "P. striigularis") previously considered subspecies of "Phaethornis longuemareus", as well as the split of "P. longirostris" from "P. superciliosus". Further confusion exists between "P. superciliosus" and "P. malaris": Most taxa previously considered subspecies of the former ("bolivianus, insolitus, margarettae, moorei" and "ochraceiventris") are now placed with the latter. A fully satisfactory taxonomic treatment of the entire "longirostris/malaris/superciliosus" group is still lacking according to some Neotropical ornithologists. Another such case is "P. maranhaoensis": Some considered it invalid, believing it was the male plumage of "P.  nattereri". However, "P. maranhaoensis" only occurs in the northern part of the range of "P. nattereri", and the two have different voices. Molecular work also confirms the validity of "P. maranhaoensis", though details presently are lacking. Comparably, "P. aethopyga" has generally been considered invalid as believed to be a hybrid between "P. ruber" and "P. rupurumii", but this assumption has recently been shown to be incorrect, leading to its revalidation as a distinct species. For the same authors, the taxa proposed as hybrids by Hinkelmann, could be valid taxa, especially "P. longuemareus imatacae".