The Loja tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Andean slopes of southern Ecuador and adjacent northern Peru, favoring humid to semi-humid montane forest. It is common along forest edges, second-growth, and shade-grown agricultural mosaics such as coffee with remnant trees. Birds spend much of their time in the mid- to upper canopy, where they glean and sally for prey. They tolerate some habitat disturbance as long as tree cover remains and often accompany mixed flocks along ridgelines and ravines.
Altitude Range
800–2300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small tyrant flycatcher, the Loja tyrannulet is best located by its thin, high-pitched trills and whispers rather than by sight. It often travels with mixed-species flocks in the canopy and edges of Andean forests. Identification can be tricky; its yellowish forehead and soft wingbars help separate it from similar Zimmerius species. It frequently engages in short sallies to pick tiny insects from foliage.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent short sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as part of mixed-species canopy flocks. Breeding pairs defend small territories within suitable habitat. Nests are presumed to be small cups placed in foliage, as in related species, with both parents attending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very high, thin trills and squeaky, whispery phrases, often delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls are repetitive and can form short sequences, useful for detecting the species even when hidden by foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler olive-tinged crown and a yellow-washed forehead; underparts yellow to yellowish-olive with slightly paler throat. Two pale yellowish wingbars on dusky wings; tail dusky with olive edges. Overall soft, non-contrasty pattern typical of Zimmerius tyrannulets.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as flies, tiny beetles, and caterpillars gleaned from leaves and twigs. It also hawks minute insects during brief aerial sallies from perches. Occasionally takes small berries or soft fruits, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy along forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and secondary growth. Often forages along vine tangles and outer foliage where prey is easily detected.
