The grey-capped tyrannulet is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern and southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in humid evergreen and semideciduous Atlantic Forest, especially along forest edges, second growth, and canopy gaps. It favors midstory to canopy strata, where it gleans among leaves and twigs. Occurs in both primary and mature secondary forest, and sometimes in well-wooded plantations adjacent to native forest. Sensitive to heavy fragmentation and extensive clearing.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tyrant flycatcher is endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and is most often located by its thin, sibilant calls high in the canopy. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and forages by gleaning tiny insects from foliage. Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation in the Atlantic Forest are the primary threats. Despite being elusive, careful listening often reveals its presence before any visual confirmation.
Grey-capped tyrannulet
Temperament
active and somewhat furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darts between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Likely builds a small cup nest placed on a horizontal branch or fork; clutch size is typically small as in other tyrannulets. Both members of a pair may attend the nest and young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin whistles delivered in short series, often rising or slightly descending. Contact notes are sharp, sibilant chips that can carry through the canopy.
Plumage
Small, neat tyrannulet with a distinctly gray crown contrasting with olive-green upperparts and yellowish-olive underparts; two pale wingbars and subtle edging to the wing coverts.
Diet
Primarily tiny arthropods such as small insects and spiders. Forages by gleaning from foliage and twigs, occasionally hover-gleaning to pick prey from leaf surfaces. May sally short distances to snatch flushed insects. Fruit intake, if any, is minimal.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the midstory to canopy along forest edges, gaps, and in sunlit outer foliage. Commonly forages within mixed-species flocks where it moves rapidly through leaves and vine tangles.
