The grey-headed piprites is a species of bird in subfamily Pipritinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Prior to genetic studies in 2009, it was placed in the family Pipritinae with the manakins.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from Guatemala through Honduras and Nicaragua to Costa Rica and Panama, mainly on the Caribbean slope. Prefers mature and well-structured humid lowland and foothill forests, often along ridges, forested streams, and steep slopes. Typically uses the subcanopy and mid-story, moving methodically among foliage and vine tangles. It tolerates some secondary growth but is most frequent in interior, relatively undisturbed forest. Local and patchy, with strongholds where intact habitat remains.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, elusive tyrant flycatcher, the grey-headed piprites was once grouped with the manakins due to its manakin-like build before genetics clarified its placement. It forages quietly in the subcanopy and canopy and is far more often heard than seen, its presence betrayed by thin, whistled notes. It is local and patchy within humid forests and can be a prized find for birders in Central America.
Temperament
secretive and deliberate
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the subcanopy. Territorial during the breeding season, with low-intensity chases between neighboring birds. Breeding biology is poorly documented, but pairs remain in well-forested territories during the wet season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, clear whistled notes and short, simple phrases that carry through the forest understory and subcanopy. Vocalizations are spaced and quiet, often delivered from concealed perches, making the species easier to detect by ear than by sight.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting grey head and nape; underparts are yellowish to yellow-olive. Wings are dusky with faint, sometimes indistinct pale edging. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, compact look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small arthropods, gleaned methodically from leaves, twigs, and clusters of dead foliage. Also performs short sallies to snatch flying insects. May occasionally take small berries when available, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the subcanopy and mid-story of humid evergreen forest, especially along edges of canopy gaps and vine tangles. Often keeps to shaded, sheltered perches where it can glean quietly.
