The subtropical doradito is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
Region
Andean foothills and South American subtropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru into Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, with outlying populations in adjacent Brazil. It favors freshwater marshes, reedy lagoons, and edges of slow-moving rivers. Dense beds of cattails, sedges, and other emergent vegetation are typical microhabitats. It often occupies seasonally flooded wetlands and oxbow lakes. Local presence can shift with water levels and vegetation growth.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, reed-dwelling tyrant flycatcher, the subtropical doradito is far more often heard than seen as it skulks low in dense marsh vegetation. It gives quick tail-flicks and short sallies to snatch insects. Identification can be tricky among doraditos; subtle plumage tones and voice are key. It depends on healthy wetlands, making it sensitive to marsh drainage and reedbed degradation.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed low and well-concealed within dense reeds or sedges. Pairs defend small territories within suitable marsh patches. Outside breeding, may join mixed wetland bird aggregations loosely where habitat is patchy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers high, thin trills and squeaky tseet notes from within cover, often at dawn. Calls are sharp and buzzy, carrying surprisingly well through reedbeds. Vocalizations are an important field clue when the bird remains hidden.
Plumage
Olive to olive-brown upperparts with yellow underparts and a slightly paler throat; wings show buffy to rufous edging on coverts. A faint pale supercilium contrasts with a dusky eye-line. Plumage is neat and smooth, aiding camouflage in reeds.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from reed stems and leaves. Makes short sallies to snatch flying insects above the water or at the marsh edge. Also picks prey from floating vegetation and drift lines. Diet varies with seasonal insect availability in wetlands.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense emergent vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, and sedges. Often stays close to the edges of channels, pools, and lagoon margins where insect activity is concentrated. Uses perches within reeds for quick sorties.
