The river tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon and Orinoco Basins
Typical Environment
Occurs along major rivers and their tributaries in lowland Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Prefers young, scrubby river-edge habitats, river islands with pioneer vegetation, and seasonally flooded várzea and gallery forests. Often forages over or just above water along tangled shrubs, grasses, and cane. It adapts to dynamic river systems, following newly formed islands and early-successional growth.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny river-edge tyrant flycatcher, it is almost always found along fast-flowing rivers and seasonally flooded river islands. It frequently flicks its tail and makes short sallies from low perches, behaviors that help separate it from similar tyrannulets. Its presence often tracks the shifting mosaic of young riverine vegetation created by flooding. Vocalizations are key to identification in areas where multiple Serpophaga species overlap.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups along river margins. Pairs maintain small linear territories along stretches of riverbank vegetation. Nests are compact cups placed low in shrubs or grasses near or over water, and both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched notes and short, buzzy trills, often delivered from exposed river-edge perches. Calls are sharp chips used for contact between mates and to advertise territory above river noise.
Plumage
Small, neat tyrannulet with gray to gray-olive upperparts and clean whitish underparts with a faint yellow wash on the belly. Shows two narrow whitish wingbars and a slightly paler throat. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a sleek appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as flies, beetles, ants, and other arthropods. Captures prey by sallying from perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs in low scrub. Occasionally hawks over open water to snatch flying insects, returning promptly to a perch. Foraging is quick and continuous, with frequent tail flicks.
Preferred Environment
River islands, young river-edge thickets, cane and grass stands, and edges of flooded forests. Often forages within a few meters of the water surface and along emergent vegetation.
