The crowned chat-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane cloud forests of the northern and central Andes, from southern Colombia through Ecuador to Peru. Prefers dense, mossy understory, forest edges, and ravines, often where Chusquea bamboo is present. It is most commonly encountered in shaded, humid habitats and along small streams. The species also uses adjacent second growth and elfin forest when structurally similar to mature cloud forest.
Altitude Range
2000–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny Andean flycatcher, the crowned chat-tyrant was formerly placed in Ochthoeca but is now generally treated in Silvicultrix. Its namesake golden crown patch is often raised when agitated or singing, making it surprisingly conspicuous in dark understory. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and forages by short sallies from low perches.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs in dense understory, but often joins mixed-species flocks moving through the forest. Perches low to mid-level and makes short dashes to catch prey, frequently returning to the same perch. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in mossy banks or protected nooks; clutch size is small and both parents tend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin whistles and buzzy trills delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp tsee notes and short series of squeaky, accelerating phrases.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a grayish head and breast grading to yellowish underparts; two faint buff wingbars. Distinctive erectile golden-yellow to orange crown patch contrasts with darker crown. Short tail and compact, upright stance typical of chat-tyrants.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Captures prey by sallying from low perches and by short hover-gleans among foliage. Occasionally takes small berries, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded, humid understory, along forest edges, and near streams where insect activity concentrates. Often uses patches of bamboo and tangled mossy thickets that offer abundant perches and cover.
