The lemon-chested greenlet is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It uses terra firme and várzea forest, riverine thickets, and edges of tall evergreen forest. The species also frequents secondary growth and clearings with scattered trees, where it forages in the midstory to canopy. It is most often detected by voice and by its rapid movements in foliage. Local presence can be patchy but it is broadly distributed within suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small canopy-dwelling vireo is named for its bright lemon-yellow chest, which contrasts with its olive upperparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through foliage while gleaning tiny insects. Despite its bright chest, it can be surprisingly hard to see as it forages high in the canopy. It tolerates secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it persist in human-altered landscapes.
Temperament
active and furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between foliage; quick dashes through midstory and canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a small cup nest suspended in a forked twig or concealed in foliage. Both parents typically share incubation and feeding duties. Territory defense is primarily through song and soft calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of short, clear, slightly whistled phrases delivered in quick succession, vireo-like in quality. Contact calls are soft chips and twits given while moving through foliage.
