The restinga tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest coast of southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
This species inhabits low coastal ‘restinga’ vegetation on sandy, nutrient-poor soils, including scrub, thickets, and edges of low forest near dunes and lagoons. It prefers dense, shrubby growth with scattered small trees, often near the seashore. Birds typically forage from near ground level up to the mid-story, avoiding tall, closed-canopy forest. Occurrence is patchy, tracking remaining restinga fragments and protected reserves.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 150 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The restinga tyrannulet is restricted to coastal ‘restinga’ scrub along Brazil’s Atlantic Forest belt, making it highly specialized and sensitive to habitat loss. It forages actively among leaves and twigs, often flicking its tail and giving thin, high-pitched calls that help reveal its presence. Ongoing coastal development and tourism pressures are the main threats to its survival.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense scrub. Pairs may join mixed-species flocks in suitable habitat, especially while foraging. Nests are small open cups placed low to mid-height in shrubs during the austral spring and early summer.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a thin, high-pitched series of tsi-tsi notes and brief trills that can be easily overlooked among surf and wind noise. Calls are sibilant and rapid, often delivered while foraging and during pair contact.
Plumage
Small, slim tyrannulet with olive-green upperparts and yellowish to whitish underparts, a paler throat, and two narrow pale wingbars. The head is grayish-olive with a subtle, pale supercilium and fine, neat feathering. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from the surfaces and edges of leaves and twigs, occasionally making short sallies to snatch flushed insects. Foraging is rapid and methodical, moving through dense foliage in short hops.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages within dense restinga shrubs and low trees, from near ground level to the mid-story. Edges of scrub and early secondary growth are also frequented, especially where insect activity is high.
