The long-crested pygmy tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in the western Amazon Basin of Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforest of western Amazonia in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. It favors terra firme forest, seasonally flooded riverine and várzea edges, and dense secondary growth. The species is especially regular in bamboo thickets and vine tangles along forest margins and clearings. It typically keeps to the lower understory, often between 1–5 m above ground. Local presence can be patchy, tracking suitable dense understory structure.
Altitude Range
100–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny tyrant flycatcher, the long-crested pygmy tyrant is named for its conspicuously long, erectile crest, which it raises when alarmed or displaying. It keeps to the dim understory and edge of humid Amazonian forest, where it can be difficult to spot despite frequent tail-flicking. Like many pygmy-tyrants, it often associates with stands of bamboo and vine tangles.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs in the understory. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with thin, high-pitched calls. The nest is a small, suspended or supported cup placed low in dense vegetation; both adults likely share parental duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very thin, high-pitched tseet or seee notes, often delivered in short series. The song can include a fast, squeaky trill that carries poorly in dense foliage. Calls are subtle and easily overlooked among insect sounds.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly browner wings and tail, and buffy to yellowish underparts with a paler throat. Fine streaking or mottling can be present on the breast. The texture is soft and sleek, with neat, narrow wingbars.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other tiny arthropods, gleaned from leaves and twigs or snatched in short aerial sallies. It inspects suspended dead leaves, vine tangles, and bamboo culms for prey. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent pauses and tail-flicks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower forest strata, especially dense understory along edges, gaps, and bamboo stands. Also works along riparian thickets and secondary growth where foliage is layered and complex.
