The plumbeous-crowned tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Found on humid montane forest slopes from Colombia south through Ecuador to northern Peru. It favors cloud forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth with abundant epiphytes. The species typically forages in the mid-story to canopy and along forest borders and clearings. It is most often detected by voice as it moves through mixed-species flocks.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny Andean tyrannulet, it is named for its distinctive lead-gray crown contrasting with greenish upperparts. It frequents canopy and edge habitats and often joins mixed-species flocks, where it actively gleans insects from foliage. Its high, thin calls can give away its presence even when it stays concealed in leaves.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy. It forages by gleaning and short sallies among leaves and small branches. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup concealed in dense foliage, with both adults attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin, sibilant notes and brief trills, often delivered in short series. Calls can be persistent as birds move with flocks, carrying well in the forest canopy.
Plumage
Small, greenish-olive above with a distinctive plumbeous (lead-gray) crown, pale throat, and yellowish to whitish underparts. Wings are dark with narrow pale edging and two pale wingbars; tail is dusky with faint edging. Feathers appear neat and smooth, aiding a sleek, compact look.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaf surfaces, twigs, and epiphytes. It makes short sallies to snatch flushed prey and probes among mosses and clusters of leaves. Occasionally may take tiny fruits or seeds, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Mid-story to canopy of humid montane forest, forest edges, and older secondary growth. Frequently feeds along sunlit borders, gaps, and roadsides where insect activity is high.
