The Sao Paulo bristle tyrant, or Sao Paulo tyrannulet, is a Near Threatened species of bird in the tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits humid evergreen and montane forests of the Atlantic Forest domain, favoring well-vegetated understory and edges. It frequents forested slopes, ravines, and bamboo-rich thickets, often near streams. The species persists in some secondary growth and forest fragments but is most regular in mature forest. Fragmentation limits dispersal, so it often occurs in small, localized populations.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The São Paulo bristle-tyrant is a small, active tyrannulet of the Atlantic Forest understory, often joining mixed-species flocks. It forages by gleaning tiny insects from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. Habitat loss and fragmentation in southeastern Brazil’s forests are the main threats to this species. Its soft, high-pitched calls can make it tricky to detect without careful listening.
Temperament
active and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and commonly associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory to midstory. Builds a small, well-concealed cup or pouch-like nest in dense vegetation, often using moss and fibers. Pairs defend small territories during breeding but otherwise range with flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched notes and short trills that can be easily overlooked against forest background noise. Calls include sharp tsee/tzip notes delivered in quick sequences during active foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler yellowish underparts and a slightly whitish throat; neat, crisp appearance typical of bristle-tyrants. Shows two narrow pale wingbars and subtly streaked or dusky cheeks, with a faint pale supercilium.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as insects and spiders. Gleans prey from leaf surfaces, petioles, and fine twigs, often inspecting the undersides of foliage. Makes short aerial sallies to seize flushed insects and occasionally takes tiny berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and lower midstory of humid forest, along edges, streamside thickets, and bamboo patches. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
