The double-banded pygmy tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Prefers humid evergreen forest, especially the shaded understory with abundant vines, saplings, and thickets. Often found along forest edges, streamside tangles, and gaps with dense secondary growth. It keeps to lower strata, typically within a few meters of the ground, where it forages methodically. Frequently associates with mixed-species understory flocks.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the tiniest tyrant flycatchers, the double-banded pygmy tyrant often stays low in dense understory and vine tangles where it can be hard to spot. It gets its name from the two dusky bands across its upper breast. Despite its size, it is an active predator of tiny insects and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Its high, thin calls are often the best clue to its presence.
Temperament
skulking yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks in the understory. Likely monogamous, maintaining small territories within dense growth. Nests are typically small, suspended or pensile structures made of fine fibers and placed low to mid-understory. Both parents are believed to participate in parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is high-pitched and thin, consisting of short, sibilant notes and delicate trills. Calls can sound insect-like and are often repeated at regular intervals, aiding detection in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler, grayish underparts and a whitish throat; two narrow, dusky bands across the upper breast. Fine, compact plumage with subtle buffy wingbars and a slightly crested or tufted crown that may be raised.
Diet
Feeds mainly on tiny insects and other small arthropods. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and vine tangles and also makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is deliberate but continuous, with frequent perch changes within a small area. Often benefits from insects flushed by other flock members.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory, especially in dense viney thickets, young secondary growth, and along streams and forest edges. Typically works 1–4 meters above ground, staying close to cover.
