The southern beardless tyrannulet is a small passerine bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Costa Rica, Panama, in every mainland South American country except Chile, and on Trinidad.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Found from Costa Rica and Panama through most of mainland South America (absent from Chile) and on Trinidad. It inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, second-growth scrub, savannas, and suburban parks and gardens. The species is common in lowlands and foothills and readily occupies disturbed habitats. It often forages from the understory to mid-canopy, occasionally higher in open crowns.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite the name, it is not truly beardless, but has reduced rictal bristles compared to many flycatchers. It is a tiny, active foliage-gleaner that often joins mixed-species flocks and frequently flicks its tail while foraging. The species builds a domed, pendant nest with a side entrance, sometimes near active wasp nests, which may deter predators. It adapts well to human-modified habitats such as gardens and parks.
Country Inn - Panama City, Panama
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with frequent high-pitched calls. The nest is a domed, pendulous structure of plant fibers and spider silk, typically placed low to mid-height in vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, squeaky phrases and trills delivered in quick series, often repeated. Calls include sharp tsi or chee notes interspersed with rattly or buzzy elements.
Plumage
Plain olive-gray to olive-brown upperparts with paler, yellow-washed underparts; wings show two narrow, buffy wingbars. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a neat, compact appearance.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs, including beetles, ants, and small caterpillars. It makes short sallies to snatch prey and also hover-gleans from foliage. Occasionally takes tiny fruits or berries, especially in the dry season, and may sip nectar opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, second growth, scrub, gardens, and open woodland. Foraging occurs from understory to mid-canopy, often along sunny edges and gaps where prey is active.
