The Alagoas tyrannulet is a Critically Endangered species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Northeastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
This species survives in highly fragmented humid evergreen forest in the Pernambuco Center of Endemism, mainly in Murici (Alagoas) and a few protected/private reserves in Pernambuco (e.g., Frei Caneca). It occupies mature forest and well-developed secondary growth, keeping to the midstory and canopy. The bird is closely tied to intact forest structure and is rarely recorded in degraded habitats. Extensive historical clearing for sugarcane and ongoing fragmentation explain its severe range contraction.
Altitude Range
200–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Alagoas tyrannulet is a canopy-dwelling tyrant flycatcher restricted to a few Atlantic Forest remnants in northeastern Brazil. It forages actively in mixed-species flocks, gleaning tiny insects from leaves and twigs. Ongoing deforestation for agriculture has driven it to the brink, and it is considered one of Brazil’s most threatened passerines.
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often moves in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks while foraging in the canopy. Territorial around breeding sites but otherwise loosely social. Nesting is poorly documented, but like congeners it likely places a small, well-concealed suspended or supported nest, with both adults attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tseet/tsee notes delivered in quick, slightly falling sequences. Calls are sharp and sibilant, often given while moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with cleaner, yellowish underparts; neat, crisp appearance with two narrow pale wingbars. Fine pale supercilium and eyering give a mild spectacled look; throat slightly paler. Wings and tail dusky with olive edging.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage, petioles, and fine twigs. It picks prey from the undersides of leaves and makes tiny sallies to snatch disturbed insects. Foraging is quick and methodical, often synchronized with the movements of mixed-species flocks.
Preferred Environment
Midstory to canopy of humid Atlantic Forest, especially along edges of mature forest and in tall secondary growth with continuous canopy. Frequently along forested slopes and ridgelines where leaf clusters facilitate gleaning.
