The Ecuadorian tyrannulet 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 on the east (Amazonian) slopes of the Andes from southern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru. It inhabits humid and submontane evergreen forests, especially in the mid to upper canopy and forest edges. The species prefers well-structured forest with abundant epiphytes and mossy branches. It is locally fairly common where suitable habitat remains but is patchy due to deforestation. Encounters are typically in pairs or small family groups moving actively through foliage.
Altitude Range
600–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ecuadorian tyrannulet is a tiny canopy flycatcher that often joins mixed-species flocks in humid Andean foothill forests. It is more often detected by its thin, high-pitched calls than by sight. Like several Phylloscartes, it builds a delicate, pendulous mossy nest suspended from vegetation, often near streams. Its range spans the east slope of the Andes in southern Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru.
Temperament
active and somewhat inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Forages methodically among leaves and twigs, often sallying short distances to snatch prey. Nest is a small pendulous pouch of moss and fibers suspended from a branch, often overhanging water. Both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched tsee or see notes, sometimes delivered in brief, accelerating sequences. Calls are sharp and sibilant, carrying through the canopy but easily overlooked among insect noise.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with cleaner, paler underparts that are yellowish to whitish on the belly and throat. Two pale wingbars and subtle edging on the wing feathers. A faint pale supercilium and neat, compact appearance with a slender bill.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars gleaned from foliage and twigs. It makes short sallies to pick insects from leaf surfaces and occasionally hawks tiny flying insects. Prey is handled quickly and swallowed whole.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of humid montane and foothill forests, including forest edges and along streams. Often accompanies mixed flocks where it exploits disturbed foliage and epiphyte-laden branches.
