The golden-faced tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, mainly in humid montane forests. It frequents forest edges, secondary woodlands, and clearings with scattered trees, often keeping to the mid-story and canopy. The species readily uses bamboo thickets and riparian corridors within montane zones. It is relatively tolerant of habitat disturbance where some tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
700–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small Andean tyrant flycatcher recognized by its bright yellow face and subtle wingbars. It forages methodically in the canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. Its thin, high-pitched whistles and trills are key to identification in dense foliage. It tolerates forest edges and secondary growth better than many montane specialists.
Z. chrysops, Colombia
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Territorial during breeding, with pairs maintaining small home ranges. The nest is a small, domed, mossy structure suspended from slender branches, where typically two eggs are laid.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and buzzy trills, often in short, repeated phrases. Calls can be a fine tsee-see or rising seee-wee, carrying well above ambient forest noise.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a bright golden-yellow face and supercilium, pale olive crown, and two pale wingbars; underparts yellowish with a slight grayish wash on the breast.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, including flies, beetles, and larvae. It often inspects leaf clusters and terminal foliage, occasionally making short sallies to snatch prey. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-story to canopy of humid montane forest, edges, and secondary growth. Regularly forages with mixed flocks, moving steadily through foliage and bamboo stands.
