Hazel-fronted pygmy tyrant

The hazel-fronted pygmy tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia and Peru.

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Distribution

Region

Central and Southern Andes (Peru and Bolivia)

Typical Environment

Occurs on the humid east slopes of the Andes in montane cloud forest and mossy elfin forest. Prefers dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo (Chusquea) thickets where it forages close to the ground. It is most frequently encountered along forested ravines, edges, and interior trails. The species is local but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.

Altitude Range

1500–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size9–10 cm

Wing Span15–18 cm

Male Weight0.009 kg

Female Weight0.0085 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A tiny understory tyrant flycatcher, the hazel-fronted pygmy tyrant keeps to shadowy tangles in Andean cloud forests. It often perches low and makes short, quick sallies to snatch small insects, then drops back into cover. Its high, thin calls can be the easiest way to detect it. The warm hazel tone across the forehead helps separate it from other small, olive tyrants.

Behaviour

Temperament

skulking and cautious

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs within dense understory; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically well concealed in mossy tangles or low vegetation. Both parents are believed to share duties of caring for the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives very thin, high-pitched seep or tsee notes, often in brief series. Vocalizations are soft and easily overlooked against background insect noise.

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Identification

Leg Colordark grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Dusky-olive upperparts with a warm hazel to rufescent forehead and forecrown, and paler olive-buffy underparts. Fine, soft-textured feathers give a somewhat fluffy appearance around the face. Two faint buff wingbars and narrow pale edging on wing coverts are typical.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds primarily on small arthropods such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars. Uses sally-gleaning and hover-gleaning to take prey from leaves and twigs. Occasionally snaps at tiny flying insects above low perches. Foraging is deliberate and close to cover.

Preferred Environment

Dense understory of humid montane forest, including bamboo patches and vine tangles. Often forages along shaded trails and edges where low perches are available.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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