The dusky-capped greenlet is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
This species inhabits humid lowland forests across the western and central Amazon of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and southern Venezuela. It favors terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, as well as forest edges and tall secondary growth. It typically forages from the lower to mid-canopy, moving methodically through foliage. The greenlet often accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest trails and river margins where insect prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Amazonian vireo, the dusky-capped greenlet is often detected by its high, lisping calls as it forages in the midstory. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage. Its subtle plumage makes it easy to overlook despite being fairly widespread.
Temperament
active and vigilant
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and regularly joins mixed-species flocks. Builds a suspended cup nest hanging from a forked twig, typically in midstory vegetation. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched lisping notes and short whistles delivered at a steady pace. Calls include sharp chips and soft scolds given while foraging within foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting dusky gray-brown cap; underparts yellowish to yellow-olive and slightly paler on the throat. Wings lack strong wingbars and appear uniformly olive. Feathers are neat and smooth, giving a clean, compact look.
Diet
Primarily gleaned arthropods such as caterpillars, small beetles, and spiders picked from leaves and twigs. It occasionally takes tiny fruits or berries when available. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses to inspect the undersides of leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the lower to mid-canopy of intact and secondary humid forests, along edges, and near riverine vegetation. Often forages within mixed-species flocks where prey is disturbed and made more accessible.
