The short-tailed pygmy tyrant is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found on Trinidad and in every mainland South American country except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Trinidad through Venezuela, the Guianas, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and much of Amazonian Brazil. Favors humid lowland and foothill forests, especially dense vine tangles, forest edges, and second-growth thickets. Also uses gallery forests along rivers and streams and can persist in selectively logged areas with intact understory. Typically keeps to lower and mid-levels but may move higher when foraging. Avoids open habitats far from forest cover.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the smallest passerines on Earth, this bird is easily overlooked due to its tiny size and extremely short tail. It spends much of its time in dense understory tangles where it forages quietly. Often detected more by its high, thin calls than by sight, it can join mixed-species flocks. It builds a tiny, suspended pouch-like nest with a side entrance.
1847 illustration of Todirostrum ecaudatum (Myiornis ecaudatus)
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories in dense understory. Frequently associates loosely with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nest is a minute, hanging pouch constructed of plant fibers, with a side entrance placed low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives very high, thin tsip and zee notes, often in short series. Song can be an insect-like, repetitive tinkling that carries poorly through dense foliage. Calls are subtle and easily overlooked among forest sounds.
