Image via Macaulay Library
Koepcke's Hermit
- Scientific name
- Phaethornis koepckeae
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
Koepcke's Hermit was formally described in 1957 by ornithologist John Todd Zimmer. Named in honor of Maria Koepcke, a German-born Peruvian ornithologist who made significant contributions to the study of South American birds, the species is endemic to the humid forest understory of the eastern Andean foothills in Peru. Its classification emerged from the broader taxonomy of the Phaethornis genus, known for the long, curved bills that allow these birds to feed on nectar from specialized tubular flowers.
The bird is characterized by its pointed wing shape and a distinctly notched tail, features that are vital for its rapid, agile flight through dense vegetation. While it is rarely observed due to its elusive nature and restricted habitat, the species serves as a critical indicator of the health of the Andean cloud forests. The design of the bird, shaped by evolutionary pressures to navigate deep forest shadows, has made it a subject of fascination for researchers documenting the biodiversity of the Neotropical region.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Koepcke's Hermit
Koepcke's Hermit is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Koepcke's Hermit on collecto.rs?
Koepcke's Hermit doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Koepcke's Hermit?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Koepcke's Hermit catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Koepcke's Hermit is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
