The slender-billed inezia, or slender-billed tyrannulet, is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern Colombia and northern Venezuela, especially around the Maracaibo Basin, coastal lowlands, and adjacent dry intermontane valleys. It favors dry tropical forest, thorn scrub, woodland edges, and riparian thickets. Locally, it also uses mangrove margins and second-growth. It tends to remain in lowlands and foothills and often forages in the midstory to canopy of sparse trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny tyrant flycatcher, the slender-billed inezia frequents dry scrub and forest edges where it actively gleans insects from foliage. Its very fine, narrow bill and subtle wingbars help separate it from similar tyrannulets. It often joins mixed-species flocks and can be surprisingly inconspicuous despite its activity. Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched twitters and trills that carry through scrubby habitats.
Temperament
active and somewhat furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks in scrub and edge habitats. Likely monogamous, it builds a small cup nest placed in shrubs or low trees. Territorial during breeding but tolerant of nearby conspecifics in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched trills and rapid twittering phrases, often delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp tsip notes used to maintain contact while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-tinged upperparts with paler, yellowish underparts and a faint whitish throat. Shows two narrow, pale wingbars and a subtle whitish supercilium. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves and fine twigs. Also makes short sallies to snatch aerial prey. It methodically works through scrubby foliage, often hanging briefly to pick insects from leaf undersides.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dry forest edges, thorn scrub, mangrove margins, and riparian thickets. Typically uses the midstory and outer foliage of small trees and tall shrubs.
