The ashy-headed tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Andes of western Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru. Inhabits humid montane and foothill forests, especially edges, clearings with trees, and secondary growth. Most often found in the mid- to upper canopy, where it gleans small arthropods from foliage. It can persist in moderately disturbed habitats if tree cover remains. Local movements may occur along elevational gradients following food availability.
Altitude Range
500–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny canopy tyrannulet, it often joins mixed-species flocks where its subtle plumage can make it easy to overlook. Its ashy-gray head and two pale wingbars help separate it from similar small greenish flycatchers. Voice is a key field mark: a series of thin, high, sibilant notes. It forages actively by gleaning and short sallies along forest edges and mid-to-upper canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs maintain small territories and build a small cup nest concealed in foliage. Outside the breeding season it ranges more widely while following flock activity.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Emits thin, high-pitched sibilant notes, often delivered in short series. Calls include sharp tseet and tsee phrases that carry modestly through the canopy. Vocalizations are consistent and useful for detection in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with an ashy-gray head and nape; pale yellowish to whitish underparts with a slight olive wash on the sides. Two pale wingbars and dusky-edged flight feathers give a subtly contrasty wing. Short, neat crestless head profile with faint, pale supercilium.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as flies, aphids, tiny beetles, and caterpillars. Gleans prey from leaf surfaces and twigs, occasionally hovering to pick prey from suspended leaves. Will sally short distances to snatch aerial insects. Fruit intake is minimal if any and largely incidental.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of humid montane and foothill forests. Common along forest edges, light gaps, and secondary growth where new foliage concentrates insects.
