The black-fronted tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield (Tepui Highlands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the tepui slopes and summits of southern Venezuela, western Guyana, and adjacent northern Brazil (Roraima area). It inhabits humid montane and submontane evergreen forests, elfin forest, and forest edges with abundant epiphytes and moss. Birds use midstory to canopy strata, especially along gaps and edges where prey is accessible. It can persist in lightly disturbed secondary growth near intact forest, but is tied to high-elevation, humid habitats.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny tyrant flycatcher of the Guiana Shield tepuis, the black-fronted tyrannulet is best recognized by its dark forecrown and brisk, leaf-gleaning behavior. It often joins mixed-species flocks, flicking its tail as it moves through mossy branches. Its thin, high-pitched calls can be hard to detect amid cloud-forest sounds. It favors humid montane forests and forest edges on isolated table-top mountains.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies and hover-gleans
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are likely small, well-concealed cups placed on forks or among epiphytes in montane forest. Territorial calls are given from midstory perches, with brief foraging excursions between song bouts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a thin, high-pitched series of tseet or see notes delivered in short sequences. Calls can be very soft and ventriloquial, often blending into background insect noise.
Plumage
Small, delicate tyrannulet with olive-green upperparts, yellowish underparts, and two pale wingbars; features a distinct dark to blackish forecrown contrasting with a pale supercilium.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and often hover-gleans at foliage tips. Short sallies from perches are used to snatch flushed insects. It may occasionally take tiny fruits, but insect prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid montane forest, especially at edges, along gaps, and near epiphyte-laden branches. Frequently forages within mixed-species flocks where prey is disturbed and easier to capture.
