The drab-breasted bamboo tyrant or drab-breasted pygmy-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid forest with extensive bamboo undergrowth across southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones). It favors dense thickets along streams, ravines, and forest edges, and also uses secondary growth where bamboo is abundant. The species keeps close to the ground to mid-understory, typically within the first few meters above the forest floor. It avoids open habitats and is most frequent in forest fragments that retain a well-developed bamboo layer.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, elusive tyrant flycatcher specialized in dense bamboo thickets, it is often detected by its thin, high-pitched calls rather than by sight. It forages low in the understory, gleaning insects from bamboo culms and leaves. Pairs are discreet and may join mixed-species flocks in the forest undergrowth. Habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest affects it locally, but it remains relatively widespread where suitable bamboo persists.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick hops and darts in the understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense bamboo, sometimes joining mixed-species understory flocks. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with thin calls. The nest is a small, domed structure with a side entrance, placed low in tangled bamboo or vines during the austral spring.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched whistles and tseep notes, often in short, repetitive series. The song is subtle and insect-like, carrying softly through dense vegetation.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a dull, grayish-drab breast and paler whitish belly; wings show faint buffy edging and subdued wingbars. Feathers are soft and plain, giving an overall inconspicuous, 'drab' appearance suited to bamboo shade.
Diet
Takes small arthropods such as flies, beetles, ants, and spiders. Primarily gleans from bamboo leaves, stems, and nodes, and makes short sallies to snatch prey from nearby foliage. Foraging is methodical and close to cover, with frequent pauses to listen and scan.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to mid-understory of humid forest, especially in extensive bamboo stands (Guadua and Chusquea). Often works along streamside thickets, forest edges with bamboo, and regenerating second growth.
