The Choco tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Chocó–Darién and West Andean foothills of Colombia and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid lowland and foothill forests of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, mainly within the Chocó bioregion. It frequents forest edges, second growth, and canopy gaps in primary forest. The species is most often encountered in the mid to upper canopy, but will also forage along forest margins and riparian corridors. It tolerates some habitat disturbance where tall trees and continuous canopy remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher is associated with the humid Chocó bioregion of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the mid to upper canopy, where its thin, high-pitched calls help detect it. Formerly treated within the golden-faced tyrannulet complex, it is now recognized as a separate species. Habitat loss in the Chocó lowlands may affect local populations.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with thin contact calls. Nests are presumed to be small cups placed in foliage, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched notes and brief wheezy trills, often given in short series. Calls are sharp tsip or seee notes that can be easily overlooked amid canopy insect noise.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with two pale wingbars and dusky-edged wing coverts; underparts yellowish with a contrasting pale whitish throat. Subtle pale eyebrow and faint eyering; crown and nape olive. Feathers appear smooth and slightly glossy in good light.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It hover-gleans and makes short sallies to snatch prey from foliage. Occasionally takes tiny berries or soft fruits, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of humid forests, edges, and secondary growth. Often feeds along sunlit canopy gaps and forest margins, sometimes accompanying mixed flocks to exploit disturbed patches.
