Minute hermit

The minute hermit (Phaethornis idaliae) is a tiny hummingbird species native to southeastern Brazil, measuring 8.4 to 9.2 cm in length and weighing between 1.8 to 2.7 grams. It is monotypic, meaning it has no subspecies. The male features dark iridescent green upperparts and a dark brown throat, while the female's underparts are reddish orange. Both sexes exhibit a black "mask" along with a pale supercilium and malar stripe.

Endemic to Brazil, this species is found in the understory of primary or lightly disturbed forests, including edges, mature secondary forests, and forested islands. It has also been recorded in Eucalyptus plantations near its preferred habitat. The minute hermit's elevation range extends from sea level to 500 meters.

Behaviorally, it is sedentary, relying on trap-line feeding for nectar and consuming small arthropods. Breeding occurs between October and February, with males displaying at leks. The nest is an open cup suspended under a drooping leaf, and the female alone incubates the two-egg clutch.

The species' song consists of a high-pitched note repeated 3–4 times, followed by an accelerated descending warble, sung from a low perch. Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, its population is believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest, where it primarily resides. It occurs in some protected areas but faces significant threats from deforestation.