The cinnamon-faced tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs on the east Andean slope of southeastern Peru and adjacent northern Bolivia, mainly in humid foothill and lower montane forests. It favors forest borders, light gaps, and midstory to canopy strata, often near bamboo or along ridges. The species is typically found in relatively undisturbed to lightly disturbed cloud-forest mosaics. Within its range it is patchy but can be locally fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
600–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tyrant flycatcher, the cinnamon-faced tyrannulet is named for its warm rufous facial wash. It often joins mixed-species flocks in humid foothill forests, moving quickly as it gleans tiny insects from foliage. Its subtle plumage is best recognized by the contrasting cinnamon face and faint wingbars. It was only described relatively recently and remains localized in southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, frequently accompanying mixed-species flocks in the midstory and canopy. Forages by gleaning and making brief sallies among leaves and outer branches. Nesting is poorly known but likely involves a small cup or suspended structure placed in dense vegetation typical of the genus.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin notes delivered in short series, often a rapid tsee-tsee-tsee that may accelerate slightly. Calls are faint, insect-like chips that can be easily overlooked amid flock activity.
Plumage
Small, slim tyrannulet with greenish-olive upperparts and paler yellowish underparts; face shows a distinct warm cinnamon wash. Two narrow pale wingbars and slightly darker flight feathers provide contrast; crown and nape are olive.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars, taken from foliage and fine twigs. It gleans methodically and makes tiny aerial sallies to snatch prey from leaf edges. Occasional ingestion of minute fruits may occur but is not a major component of its diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid foothill and lower montane forests, including edges and light gaps. Often forages in bamboo patches and along forested ridges where insect activity is concentrated.
