The mottle-cheeked tyrannulet is a generally common, small species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs broadly from the Andean foothills of Peru and Bolivia eastward through Paraguay and much of Brazil to northeastern Argentina and Uruguay. It favors humid and semi-humid forests, including the Atlantic Forest, gallery woodland, and well-vegetated second growth. Often found along forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and riparian thickets. It typically uses the midstory to canopy, where it gleans and hover-gleans from leaves and twigs. The species tolerates moderate habitat fragmentation and can persist in forest mosaics and plantations with native understory.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny tyrant flycatcher is often detected by voice before it’s seen, giving thin, high-pitched notes while it forages actively in the foliage. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and works the canopy and edges with quick, deliberate movements. Subtle facial mottling is a key field mark that separates it from other small greenish tyrannulets.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically compact cups placed well above ground in foliage. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding but range more widely while flocking in the non-breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet and seee notes, often in short series. The song is a delicate, slightly rising sequence of fine notes and brief trills that can be easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
