The rough-legged tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Bolivia and western Brazil through Paraguay and Uruguay to northern and central Argentina, including parts of the Atlantic Forest and adjacent woodlands. It favors forest edges, riparian gallery forests, and semi-open woodland with scattered trees. The species also uses second-growth thickets and wooded savannas. It tends to forage from the midstory to the canopy and may venture into shaded plantations and parklands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its scaly, bristly-looking tarsi, the rough-legged tyrannulet is a small, active flycatcher of forest edges and secondary growth. It often joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning tiny insects from foliage and making quick hovering sallies. Its thin, high-pitched call notes are easy to overlook but useful for detection. Despite a broad range, it is inconspicuous and more often heard than seen.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, it frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging through the canopy and edges. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build a compact cup nest concealed in foliage. Parental care is shared, and fledglings may accompany adults for a short period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet and tsee notes, often delivered in short series. The song is a delicate, slightly buzzy trill or sequence of fine notes that can be hard to localize. Calls are frequent while foraging and help maintain contact in pairs or small groups.
