The sulphur-bellied tyrannulet is a species of bird in subfamily Elaeniinae of family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Andes of Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador into northern Peru. It favors montane evergreen and cloud forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with scattered trees. Frequently uses scrubby borders, riparian ravines, and disturbed openings where it can forage actively. Commonly accompanies mixed flocks along edges and roadcuts.
Altitude Range
1000–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active Andean flycatcher, the sulphur-bellied tyrannulet is named for its yellowish underparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages restlessly along forest edges and clearings. Its thin, high-pitched calls can carry surprisingly far in montane forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving along forest edges. Nests are typically small cups placed on mossy branches or sheltered tangles. Territorial during breeding but otherwise tolerant of other small insectivores.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsee and tzip notes, often in quick series. Song is a delicate, accelerating trill or sequence of sharp chips that can be hard to locate in dense foliage.
Plumage
Small tyrannulet with olive to gray-olive upperparts and a contrasting sulphur-yellow belly and vent. Throat and breast are paler, often grayish to whitish, with two pale wingbars and edged wing coverts. Tail is dark with pale edging; feathers are neat and compact.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also makes short sallies to snatch flying prey. Occasionally probes among mosses and epiphytes for hidden invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary growth, and in the mid to upper levels of montane forest. Frequently follows mixed flocks along roadsides, trails, and natural gaps where prey is more exposed.
