The pearly-vented tody-tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in every mainland South American country except Chile, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Suriname.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in arid to semi-arid scrub, chaco, caatinga, cerrado edges, and dry open woodland, as well as second-growth thickets and shrub-lined watercourses. It favors the lower to mid understory and bushy edges rather than closed-canopy forest. The species is present in most mainland South American countries except Chile, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Suriname. It adapts well to lightly disturbed habitats and mosaics of pasture with scattered shrubs.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny tyrant flycatcher, the pearly-vented tody-tyrant keeps low in scrub and open woodland, often flicking its tail while gleaning insects. Its name refers to the pale, pearly wash on the vent and undertail coverts. It is widespread across much of mainland South America and typically stays year-round within its range. The species builds a small, domed nest with a side entrance placed low in dense vegetation.
Temperament
skulking and fairly territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in scrubby habitats. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with thin, high-pitched calls. The nest is a small, domed or ball-like structure with a side entrance, placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high, sibilant notes and short trills, often delivered in simple, repetitive sequences. Calls are piercing yet soft in volume and can be easily overlooked in windy scrub.
Plumage
Olive-brown to gray-olive upperparts with paler, grayish-white underparts and a distinctive pale, pearly vent. Two narrow buffy wingbars and slightly darker wings; short tail often held cocked. Texture appears smooth and neat, with minimal streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including ants, beetles, small caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and also makes short sallies to snatch passing insects. Hover-gleaning at the tips of shrubs is common, and it occasionally picks prey from the ground or low stems.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower to mid understory of dry scrub, thickets, and edges of open woodland. Often keeps close to dense cover, using perches within shrubs to launch brief foraging forays.
