The buff-cheeked greenlet is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Guiana Shield and northern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Venezuela across the Guianas into northern Brazil and adjacent Bolivia, also in French Guiana and Suriname. Prefers humid lowland evergreen forest, including terra firme and seasonally flooded forest. Common along forest edges, clearings with tall second growth, and vine tangles. Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the midstory. Avoids heavily degraded habitats far from forest cover.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small member of the vireo family, the buff-cheeked greenlet is named for its warm buff facial wash contrasted with olive-green upperparts. It often travels with mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage in the midstory. Its cup-shaped nest is typically suspended from a forked twig, a hallmark of many vireonids. The species is widespread in northern Amazonia and the Guiana Shield and is not considered threatened.
Hylophilus muscicapinus illustration by Keulemans, 1881
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically forages in pairs or small family groups and frequently integrates into mixed-species flocks. Builds a small, suspended cup nest attached to a forked twig in the midstory. Both parents likely participate in nest building and care. Generally maintains small territories within extensive forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, clear whistles and short phrases delivered at a measured pace. Calls include thin, high see and soft scolding chips while moving through foliage. Vocalizations are subtle and can be overlooked amid mixed-flock activity.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a warm buff wash on the cheeks and ear-coverts; underparts pale yellow to yellowish-white with subtle olive flanks. Crown and nape slightly grayer-olive, giving gentle contrast to the buff face. Wings and tail olive with faintly darker edges. Overall smooth, unspotted plumage with a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Primarily gleans small insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders from leaves and twigs. Occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey. May take small berries or soft fruits opportunistically, especially in the non-breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to lower canopy of humid lowland forests, often along edges, vine tangles, and light gaps. Commonly follows mixed-species flocks, exploiting disturbed foliage where prey is more exposed.
