About Phaethornis mexicanus Hartert, 1897
Size
The Mexican hermit (Phaethornis mexicanus Hartert, 1897) measures 16 to 17 cm (6.3 to 6.7 inches) in total length.
Nominate Subspecies Upperparts
The nominate subspecies has a dusky crown, with a bronzy green nape and upperparts. Its rump feathers are bronzy green with cinnamon edges, and its tail is black with white feather tips.
Nominate Subspecies Facial Markings
On the face, it has black cheeks, plus pale cinnamon stripes behind the eye and below the cheek.
Nominate Subspecies Underparts
The throat is mostly pale buff, and the rest of the underparts are dusky brownish gray, with a cinnamon wash across the belly.
P. m. griseoventer Plumage
The subspecies P. m. griseoventer is slightly paler across its entire body. It has a dull greenish crown, a throat stripe ranging from whitish to pale buff, and more white on its central tail feathers.
Overall Distribution Range
The Mexican hermit occupies two separate ranges along Mexico's Pacific coast.
Nominate Subspecies Distribution
The nominate subspecies P. m. mexicanus is found in the southwestern portion of the range, from western Guerrero south to southeastern Oaxaca.
P. m. griseoventer Distribution
P. m. griseoventer occurs further north, between the states of Nayarit and Colima.
Habitat
This species lives in the interior and along the edges of humid evergreen forest, Heliconia thickets, and ravines within semi-deciduous woodlands.
Elevation Range
Its elevation range extends from sea level up to approximately 2,000 m (6,560 ft).
