The rufous-browed tyrannulet is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, and possibly Peru.
Region
Central America and Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and western Panama south through the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, with records possibly reaching northern Peru. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth. Most activity is in the subcanopy to canopy, where it forages among foliage and along outer branches. It frequently follows mixed-species flocks along forested slopes and ravines.
Altitude Range
700–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active tyrant flycatcher of humid montane forests, the rufous-browed tyrannulet is best recognized by its warm rufous eyebrow. It often joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning tiny insects from leaves and twigs in the subcanopy and canopy. Its high, thin calls can be the easiest way to detect it in dense cloud forest.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darts between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are placed concealed in dense foliage, and pairs maintain small territories within suitable forest. Outside breeding, it ranges more widely while following flock movements.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin see-see and tsee-tsee notes, often in short series. The song is a delicate, tinkling sequence that can be easily overlooked amid louder forest birds.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting warm rufous eyebrow (supercilium), dusky ear-coverts, and pale lores. Underparts are yellowish to olive-yellow, often paler on the throat. Two pale to yellowish wingbars and edged tertials give the wings a lightly barred look.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, flies, spiders, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaf surfaces and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch airborne insects. Small berries may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the subcanopy and canopy of humid montane forest, especially along edges, gaps, and vine tangles. Often feeds while moving with mixed-species flocks along mid-elevation forested slopes and stream corridors.
