The olive-green tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.
Region
Guianas and northern Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and adjacent northern Brazil. It favors the mid- to upper canopy of primary rainforest, tall secondary growth, and forest edges. Frequently found along rivers and in gallery forest where continuous canopy is present. It adapts moderately well to lightly disturbed habitats provided large trees and layered foliage remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny canopy tyrant flycatcher, the olive-green tyrannulet is active and often joins mixed-species flocks, where its subtle plumage can make it easy to overlook. It forages by gleaning and brief hover-gleaning in the outer foliage, frequently sallying short distances to snatch small insects. Its thin, high-pitched calls help birders detect it in dense tropical forest canopy. The species is assessed as Least Concern and persists in both primary and tall secondary forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering sallies
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Forages restlessly in the outer foliage, communicating with thin contact calls. Nests are well concealed; both parents participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched tsee notes delivered in short, hurried series, sometimes forming a delicate trill. Calls are sharp, sibilant chips that carry through the canopy but are easy to miss amid insect noise.
Plumage
Small, slim tyrannulet with uniform olive-green upperparts and paler yellowish-olive underparts; two narrow pale wingbars and a faint pale supercilium. Wings and tail slightly darker with subtle edging; overall smooth, clean appearance without heavy streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves and twigs. Frequently hover-gleans and makes very short sallies to pick prey from suspended foliage. May occasionally take tiny berries or seeds but remains largely insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of humid lowland forest, tall second growth, and edges with mature trees. Often uses sunlit outer foliage layers and along forested rivers and clearings with canopy continuity.
