About Glaucis aeneus Lawrence, 1868
Size
The bronzy hermit (Glaucis aeneus Lawrence, 1868) measures 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 in) in total length. Males weigh 3 to 6.5 g (0.11 to 0.23 oz), while females weigh 3 to 6 g (0.11 to 0.21 oz).
Bill Structure
The male’s bill curves downward, and its upper mandible has serrated edges. The female’s bill is more curved, and lacks serrations.
Body Plumage
Males and females have identical plumage: upperparts are bronzy or coppery green, throat and breast are deep buff, and the belly is pale buff. The face has a white "moustache" marking, and other areas of the face are dusky.
Tail Features
The upperside of the tail is gray-green with white tips; the underside is reddish close to the body, blackish in the middle, and white at the tips. Populations in Central America have slightly longer wings than those in South America, but their plumage is identical.
Population Structure
The bronzy hermit has two geographically separated populations.
Central American Range
One ranges from eastern Honduras through eastern Nicaragua, and eastern and western Costa Rica, into western Panama.
South American Range
The other ranges from western Colombia into northwestern Ecuador, extending as far south as Pichincha Province.
Habitat
This species lives in semi-open landscapes including disturbed primary forest, mature secondary forest, swamp forest, and shrublands.
Elevation Range
In terms of elevation, it occurs from sea level up to 750 m (2,500 ft) in Costa Rica, and up to 800 m (2,600 ft) in Colombia.
