The greenish tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Brazil through eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina to Uruguay, primarily in Atlantic Forest, gallery woodlands, and semi-open secondary growth. It favors forest edges, riverine corridors, and wooded urban parks. The species is most often found in the mid to upper canopy, but will descend to lower strata at edges. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and can persist in patchy woodlots.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greenish tyrannulet is a small tyrant flycatcher of the Atlantic Forest and nearby woodlands, often joining mixed-species flocks as it forages. It is notoriously tricky to identify among similar tyrannulets; voice and subtle facial and wingbar patterns are key. It forages actively in the canopy and edges, gleaning tiny insects from leaves and twigs.
Phyllomyias virescens; illustration 1838.
Temperament
active and restless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small cup nests placed on horizontal branches or in forks, with breeding in the austral spring–summer. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding but are more tolerant in non-breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes and short trills, often given from concealed perches. Calls include sharp tsiit and tsee notes used frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler yellowish-olive underparts and whitish throat; two pale wingbars and faint edging on tertials. Subtle pale supercilium and narrow eyering; flight feathers dusky with pale fringes.
Diet
Primarily consumes small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from foliage and twigs. It picks prey from leaf surfaces and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. It may take tiny berries opportunistically but remains largely insectivorous. Foraging is quick and deliberate, often accompanied by constant calling.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of humid and semi-humid forests, edges, and wooded parks. Frequently joins mixed flocks, moving through sunlit edges and along riverine trees where insect activity is high.
